California Walruses

they are the eggmen | procreate | 2025

Before the Holocene, walruses were incredibly diverse and widespread across the coast of California. The three shown here start with Pelagiarctos from the middle Miocene of Kern County (Bakersfield). This walrus was more sea lion-like in appearance and probably chased down fish (instead of the previous idea of crushing the bones of large prey). Gannets, sharks, and dolphins (allodelphis) fill out the environment. The second is Gomphotaria, with an impressive set of double tusks. From the late Miocene of Orange County, an early species of Cerorhinca (rhinoceros auklet) nests in the dunes. Lastly, we arrive in Santa Cruz during the Pliocene with Valenictis. Valenictis was a highly specialized mollusk feeder resembling the walruses we know in the Arctic today. The extinct auk Mancalla hangs out on the beach behind them.

The research for this project was based on the research and studies of Robert Boessenecker.