Fast-melting Arctic sea ice has forced approximately 35,000 Pacific walruses to retreat to the Alaska shoreline, scientists from a number of federal agencies confirmed on Wednesday.

Walruses are accomplished divers and are capable of plunge hundreds of feet to the bottom of the continental shelf to feed. They use sea ice as platforms to give birth, nurse their young, and elude predators, and when it is scare or non-existent they haul themselves on land.

"One of the differences between this haul out and other ones is the sheer size and number of animals coming to shore," said U.S. Geological Survey ecologist Chadwick Jay, according to Reuters.

U.S. scientists said such hail outs in areas of the Chukchi Sea were first seen along Russia's coasts until Pacific walrus masses started appearing on Alaska's coastline in 2007.

Researchers observing these patterns estimate around 35,000 walruses came to shore near the coastal village of Point Lay, about 700 miles north of Anchorage at the weekend. The walruses can be more than 10 feet long and weigh 2,700 pounds.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Joel Garlich-Miller said the most concerning conservation issue with such a massive gathering is the possible mortality rate, caused mainly by stampedes.

Ice dissipation was likely attributed to changes stemming from global climate change, Jay said.

Garlich-Miller said the mass movement can be tough for younger walruses, who can be trampled by a stampede triggered by aircraft or predators, like grizzly bears and polar bears, according to Reuters.

Fish and Wildlife estimates the Pacific walrus population as between 200,000 and 250,000 animals. The exact number is currently unknown.

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