Walrus
Odobenus rosmarus

f4 @ 1/1600s, ISO:1000, Nikon D300 w 300mm and 1.4X teleconverter

"Walrus," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Surrounding the tusks is a broad mat of stiff bristles ("mystacial vibrissae"), giving the walrus a characteristic whiskered appearance. There can be 400 to 700 vibrissae in 13 to 15 rows reaching 30 cm (12 in) in length, though in the wild they are often worn to much shorter lengths due to constant use in foraging. The vibrissae are attached to muscles and are supplied with blood and nerves, making them highly sensitive organs capable of differentiating shapes 3 mm (1⁄8 in) thick and 2 mm (3⁄32 in) wide.

Storoya, Svalbard, Norway

08/13/2010