How climate change affects walruses.

• Position: THE BIG PICTURE - Brief article

It may look like a massive beach party, but these 35,000 walruses on a shore in northwestern Alaska weren't having any fun. Scientists say the enormous gathering is a sign that the marine mammals are in trouble because of climate change. Unlike seals, walruses can't swim indefinitely; they need to rest on sea ice between dives for food. With warmer temperatures melting Arctic sea ice--which has fallen to record low levels (see maps)--walruses are forced ashore. Massive...