This 600 kg mammal has garnered significant attention from Norwegians, even being live-streamed on a local newspaper’s website.
A female walrus nicknamed Freya captured the interest of the Norwegian public as she basked in the sun, lounging on a yacht in Oslo Bay, attracting considerable media coverage.
Weighing 600 kg, Freya is named after the Norse goddess of love and beauty. She has been spotted in the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, and is now spending her summer in Norway.
Freya swimming in Frognerkilen Bay, Oslo, Norway. (Photo: Reuters).
Freya first gained fame in Norway when she attempted to climb onto yachts in Kragerø, a coastal village in the south, and she repeated this behavior on July 17 in central waters.
The presence of this mammal, which typically resides in the northern Arctic, has intrigued locals and journalists alike. Verdens Gang has been live-streaming her activities on their website.
They captured footage of Freya chasing a duck and attacking a swan, but more frequently, she was seen napping on boats struggling to support her massive weight. On average, a walrus can sleep up to 20 hours a day.
Rolf Harald Jensen, a fisheries officer, stated: “While there is material damage, it is to be expected when wildlife appears.”
After considering the possibility of relocating or even euthanizing Freya if she posed a danger to people, Norwegian authorities decided to take no action against her.
The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries announced on July 25 that: “She is quite healthy, eating, resting, and in good condition.”
However, it is crucial for people to maintain a safe distance from her, and they particularly advise against swimming or kayaking near Freya.
“Walruses are normally not a danger to humans as long as you keep a safe distance. But if disturbed and not allowed the necessary rest, they may feel threatened and attack,” according to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
Walruses are a protected species, primarily feeding on invertebrates such as mollusks, shrimp, crabs, and small fish.
An adult male walrus weighs about one ton, while a female weighs around 700 kg.
