. The Canadian field-naturalist. 346 The Canadian Field-Naturalist Vol. 102 (Mansfield 1958; Loughrey 1959). In Hudson Strait, on the other hand, there seems to be a spring westward and fall eastward migration (Degerb(^l and Freuchen 1935). It is not known if these migrants mix with the Hudson Bay Walrus (Davis et al. 1980). Baffin Bay Walrus are also thought to migrate north along the Greenland coast in spring (Vibe 1950), and south along the Baffin Island coast in fall (DcgQrh<l)\ and Freuchen 1935) but there is no evidence to support this (Davis et al. 1980). In fact, recent information
. The Canadian field-naturalist. 346 The Canadian Field-Naturalist Vol. 102 (Mansfield 1958; Loughrey 1959). In Hudson Strait, on the other hand, there seems to be a spring westward and fall eastward migration (Degerb(^l and Freuchen 1935). It is not known if these migrants mix with the Hudson Bay Walrus (Davis et al. 1980). Baffin Bay Walrus are also thought to migrate north along the Greenland coast in spring (Vibe 1950), and south along the Baffin Island coast in fall (DcgQrh<l)\ and Freuchen 1935) but there is no evidence to support this (Davis et al. 1980). In fact, recent information from Walrus hunters indicates that northwest Greenland Walrus form a sedentary population (Born et al. 1981). Behaviour and Adaptability: The choice of uglit is thought to be partly dependent on the amount of disturbance in their vicinity (Mansfield 1959; Fay and Ray 1968). Walrus abandon uglit during strong winds and heavy surf (Fay 1982). In such instances, an adjacent beach may sometimes be used (A. W. Mansfield, personal communication; Miller and Boness 1983) or the Walrus may move to other uglit (Mansfield 1959). They also take to the water to avoid excessive heat (Fay and Ray 1968; A. W. Mansfield, personal communication). Walrus are sensitive to human disturbance. They react to approaching boats or low-flying aircraft by entering the water and swimming away (Salter 1979; Fay 1982; A. W. Mansfield, personal communication). In some cases, these escape reactions can take the form of a stampede in which animals may be trampled and killed. The passage of large ships such as ice-breakers and oil tankers in areas of Walrus concentration is likely to cause similar disturbance. Walrus occupy channels and bays of the central Arctic archipelago which are close to sites of oil and gas exploration activity and proposed oil and gas transport ship passage. It is not known whether Walrus can adapt to non-threatening man-made disturbances such as boat or plane traffic. While in the water
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