“To see a walrus in person, to see the enormity of the creature and the texture of its skin and tusks, is amazing,” says photographer Alik Tsui. (Alik Tsui / Sent)
A stray walrus on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland is attracting a lot of attention, although wildlife officials are asking people to give the animal a place.
Middle Cove Beach in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove is a popular spot in the region, especially in June or July for the annual capelin roll, as locals gather fish after spawning.
But the visitor this weekend was a little bigger than a capelin.
An Atlantic walrus, probably a young animal due to its medium size and smaller tusks, was spotted sunbathing on the beach on Saturday.
The walrus of Middle Cove attracts a lot of crowds. pic.twitter.com/Zj5WQkEJDj
– @ hawthornandrewj
One person watching the walrus on Saturday was photographer Alik Tsui, who was walking in Lodge Bay when he received word that the walrus had arrived via social media.
“To see a walrus in person, to see the enormity of the creature and the texture of its skin and tusks, it’s amazing. And I don’t have to go anywhere in Russia or Alaska to see a walrus, it’s right here in our backyard in Newfoundland, “he said.
Tsui says the walrus was just resting on Middle Cove Beach. (Alik Tsui / Sent)
Tsui said the view had already attracted crowds when he arrived at the beach late Saturday afternoon, but people seemed to be keeping their distance.
“You have to stay at a safe distance so you don’t get hurt, because the walrus is a wild animal,” Tsui said, “so you never know how a wild animal can react to human intimidation. So I think we were really good.
Fisheries officials ask spectators to keep their distance
Although not unheard of, having a walrus so far south is rare.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans posted a carefree tweet asking people to let him enjoy his nap.
Crowds of people continued to flock to the beach to see the animal, which prompted the department to place two security guards and ask the crowd to keep a safe distance.
By Sunday afternoon, the walrus had attracted a large crowd of onlookers, but most kept their distance. (Andrew Hawthorn / CBC)
In an email to CBC News on Sunday, DFO said fishermen were on the beach to protect both the walrus and the people, and officials would ensure the walrus had free access to the water. DFO researchers also visited the beach.
The department said it was not uncommon for walruses to snort and bask in the sun, but while they are often obedient, they can be dangerous and can move on land as fast as a running person.
“We understand that people are excited to see this walrus. It’s rare here, but people need to stay away from the walrus and, frankly, just leave it alone,” a DFO spokesman said.
The department said marine mammals are subject to marine mammal regulations under the Fisheries Act, which requires people to stay at least 100 meters from a walrus.
But since Sunday afternoon, the walrus had been interested only in sand and sun. Tsui, for his part, said the walrus seemed to be having fun.
“A lot of people thought the walrus was in trouble. Apparently he’s been tested and looks in good shape and he’s just trying to get a lazy day at the beach for Newfoundlanders to watch. “
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