Drug Immobilization of Walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus )

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Main Authors: DeMaster, Douglas P., Faro, James B., Estes, James A., Taggart, James, Zabel, Cindy
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1981
• Subjects: Aquatic Science; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Round Island; Odobenus rosmarus; Alaska; walrus*
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f81-048; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f81-048

Five out of nine walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) were successfully immobilized at Round Island, Alaska, in May of 1978 by combinations of phencyclidine hydrochloride and acepromazine hydrochloride. A crossbow was an effective delivery technique. Walruses that had recently hauled out were more suitable for immobilization than well-rested animals. Care was taken to prevent walruses from overheating or suffocating.Key words: walrus, Odobenus rosmarus; immobilization, marine mammal