ValenictusValenictus is an extinct genus of Odobenidae from the Pliocene of California.Discovery and namingValenictus sheperdi was discovered in 2024 from the Purisima Formation in Santa [Cruz, California]. The fossil was discovered by thirteen-year old, amateur paleontologist Forrest Sheperd, from whom the specific name is derived.DescriptionValenictus is related to the modern-day walrus, but lacked all teeth both in the lower and upper jaw except for the two tusks.