A marine charity is asking the public to keep their distance from a large walrus after it appeared on a beach in Hampshire this weekend.
The walrus, who has been nicknamed Thor, was sighted on Saturday at Pagham Harbour, in Calshot.
Dan Jarvis, director of welfare and conservation at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, told The Telegraph the mammal has been travelling around Europe since Nov 6 and has been sighted in the Netherlands, Dieppe and Brittany.
Mr Jarvis estimates the mammal is not fully grown but could already weigh as much as three quarters of a tonne, although experts haven't yet been close enough to gauge Thor's gender.
Coastguards have set up fence cordoning off part of the beach to keep people away from Thor, but the charity is strongly urging the public to "keep its distance" and not disturb the animal.
Mr Jarvis is concerned the walrus could be at risk from the public. In August 2022, a walrus nicknamed Freya that attracted crowds to a fjord in Oslo was euthanised, on the grounds the animal could pose a threat to public safety. Her death caused an international backlash against Norwegian Fisheries, who made the decision.
"We know walruses embark on long journeys, and often stop for periods of rest, to conserve energy and regain body weight," Mr Jarvis said.
"Repeated visitors and people trying to get its attention are going to prevent the animal from resting and moving on - it needs to be left alone to have a better chance of surviving."
Walruses face increased threat
Walruses are "bottom feeders" and eat a variety of razor clams, mussels and other shell fish found on the sea bed. When fully grown they can weigh as much as two tonnes.
The mammals, which can live for up to 40 years, are facing increased threat from climate change.
"The melting ice and warmer waters have forced on land which makes them vulnerable to polar bears and hunting - they're constantly being threatened by these new challenges," Mr Jarvis said.
Last year, a walrus nicknamed Wally became the first of its species to be spotted off the coast of Cornwall, roughly 2,650 miles (4,260 kilometers) from the animal's home in the Arctic Circle.
