A 1,500-pound walrus named Freya has sunk several ships, causing mayhem in Oslo, Norway, this summer.
The boat-sinking behemoth has become a social media star, with pictures and videos of her antics spreading across Twitter. She’s also a sensation among local residents and tourists, with the exception of some boat owners.
Big story in Norway this summer is a walrus we’ve named Freya has made it to our shores and is touring the country, laying around and sinking boats pic.twitter.com/rQolsxd88b
— Wild Geerters (@steinkobbe) July 19, 2022
WALRUS SINKS RUSSIAN NAVY BOAT IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN
In her effort to find new places to lounge, Freya has sunk several boats and inflatables under her weight, according to Euronews, which noted the walrus was previously spotted in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scotland. Boats with a low stern and no large engine are Freya’s preferred lounging spots.
The Norwegian government has become aware of Freya and has gone out of its way to warn frustrated residents against harming her. On July 20, the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries published a press release warning locals, “Keep your distance from the walrus!”
“We encourage people in the area to leave Freya the walrus alone. She is a wild animal of around 600 kg, which is not necessarily as dorky and clumsy as one might get the impression. The walrus is a protected species and it is forbidden to disturb it unnecessarily,” the release reads.
“Euthanasia not an option. Neither the Directorate of Fisheries nor researchers we are in contact with recommend culling. It is therefore currently not applicable, and other options are being considered,” it adds.
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After complaints from locals, authorities are planning to lure the walrus onto a floating dock, from which she can be taken to another home along the coast, according to NBC News. Researchers are planning to take Freya back to her home in the Arctic Circle when it is safe, according to Euronews.
