A walrus has been spotted in a harbour in north-east Scotland, prompting wildlife experts to urge the public to keep their distance and allow the animal to rest and recover its energy.
The Arctic creature is believed to be the same one that was recently seen injured in Orkney, and it is now thought to have swum to mainland Scotland. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said that, as with previous such visitors from the Arctic, it is likely to be a young animal travelling in unfamiliar waters.
BDMLR medics are on site at the harbour monitoring the walrus, and the rescue organisation has asked people to give it space to rest. The organisation has also requested that the precise location of the walrus not be shared publicly to prevent crowds from gathering.
BDMLR said: “Walruses are occasional visitors to UK shores, with sightings increasing in recent years – thought to be linked to loss of sea ice habitats in the Arctic. These animals rely heavily on undisturbed rest to conserve energy during long journeys. Unfortunately, past incidents have shown that even with management in place, disturbance can and does still occur. Crowds, noise, drones and attempts to get closer for photos can cause the animals significant stress, sometimes forcing them back into the water prematurely or preventing them from resting altogether. We urge the public to help in giving this animal the space needed to rest, recuperate his energy, and continue their journey safely when ready.”
BDMLR is waiting for the results of photo-identification to confirm whether the walrus is the same one that was spotted in Orkney. Walruses are protected from disturbance by law, and BDMLR said anyone witnessing such an incident should contact police.
Anyone who does see the walrus is advised to remain at least 100 metres away, stay quiet and avoid sudden movement, keep dogs on leads, and avoid getting between the creature and the sea.
