Why Even Killer Whales Are Terrified of Walruses.

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Why Even Killer Whales Are Terrified of Walruses.

Killer whales hunt even massive bowhead whales—so why are walruses so rarely on their menu? Is it fear, or does this Arctic encounter demand a different explanation?
In 2008, off Russia’s Chukotka coast, nine killer whales surrounded a lone walrus, launching 55 attacks in just 17 minutes. Yet scientists could not confirm whether the walrus was ultimately killed. That unresolved encounter opens an investigation into what makes this tusked giant such a difficult target.
Through thick skin, powerful tusks, and the protection of a crowded herd, this documentary explores the risks behind a predator’s choice of prey. Observations of polar bears add another perspective, while differences across the Arctic challenge the simple claim that orcas are “terrified” of walruses.
But the mystery reaches beyond teeth and tusks. As sea ice retreats, access to hunting grounds and the places walruses rest are changing. What happens when an animal’s formidable defenses meet a threat they cannot hold back?