High Levels of Biotoxin Found in Dead Walrus; Experts Unsure of Regional Impact
![Walrus and calf. Photo courtesy of NOAA.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/walrus-and-calf-1200x841.jpg)
According to Gay Sheffield, wildlife biologist, three of the walruses had low to moderate levels of saxitoxin, while the fourth one had high levels. Saxitoxin is a biotoxin produced by algae and is potentially a poisonous substance. Louisa Castrodale with DHSS says even though this walrus tested positive for saxitoxin levels above the federal regulatory limit, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a human health issue.