Walrus visits Hammerfest, becomes local celebrity

WalrusScreenshot: NRK

Recently, a walrus has been living outside Hammerfest. Such a visit to the mainland is very rare, and the walrus has quickly become a celebrity.

The walrus was observed in Repparfjorden before Easter and has remained in the area since, leading to many spectators taking a closer look, Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) reports.

But people are asked to be careful and keep a good distance from the new local celebrity.

The walrus is one of the most dangerous Arctic animals one can meet in the water. They prefer to stay on ice floes in quiet areas near the coast in Arctic regions. Males can weigh well over 1,200 kilos, and females can weigh more than 850 kilos.

“On land, they are more clumsy. It is not the case that he will come running after you, but people should keep their distance and show respect for the animal,” biologist Audun Rikardsen at the University of Tromsø said.

The sight of a walrus at such close range is a fantastic sight, but if the animal begins to move or make a sound, you should pull away, NTB notes.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayTravel

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