The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is requesting your support and cooperation in minimizing disturbances to walrus herds along the Chukchi Sea coast.
Walruses usually haul out onto sea ice to rest between feeding trips. When sea ice is not available, walruses must come to shore to rest. In late summer, large herds of walruses may be found hauled out on isolated beaches and barrier islands along the Chukchi Sea coast. Walruses are sensitive to the sight, sound, and odor of humans and machines, and may stampede back into the water when disturbed. Large-scale mortality events have occasionally resulted from herd stampedes, with calves being particularly vulnerable to trampling injuries. Frequent disturbances may also impact animal health and condition if walruses are unable to obtain sufficient rest between feeding excursions.
0GUIDELINES FOR PILOTS: The Service requests that pilots keep aircrafts at least 1,000 feet above, and well to one side of, herds of resting walruses. Such activities as buzzing, circling, landing, taking off, and taxiing near walrus groups are likely to cause disturbances. When weather conditions allow, pilots should fly well inland from walrus groups to avoid flushing animals into the water.
0GUIDELINES FOR MARINE VESSELS: The Service recommends that marine vessels maintain a
