Link to newsround

Rare sighting of walrus spotted chilling out near Fife

A walrus with wrinkly skin, whiskers and long ivory tusks rests on some rocks which are surrounded by a grey seaSally Molyneux and David Sutherland

The walrus was spotted off the coast of Elie in Fife

There's been a "rare sighting" of a walrus in Fife in Scotland.

It was spotted resting on the rocks near the coastal town of Elie and was reported to a wildlife charity called British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

The charity decided not to tell the public about the animal so it could relax without being disturbed.

Volunteers kept a close eye on the walrus, which they said looked healthy, before it left the next morning. So far, it hasn't been seen again.

A walrus with wrinkly skin, whiskers and long ivory tusks rests on some rocks which are surrounded by a grey seaSally Molyneux and David Sutherland

Volunteers from a charity kept a close eye on the walrus until it left the next day

Emily Mayman, who is from the BDMLR, called walruses "rare but occasional visitors" to the UK and wider Europe, adding that "several" individual animals had been recorded in recent years.

She explained: "These animals originate from the Arctic, and their presence further south may be linked to environmental changes affecting their natural habitat, including the ongoing reduction in sea ice associated with climate change."

She also added that young, male Atlantic walruses were most likely to roam and were capable of travelling very long distances - which is why it's so important they get the chance to rest before they continue their journeys.

In the UK, walruses are protected by the law, which means people aren't allowed to disturb them.

A close-up of a walrus swimming in green waterMartyn Barlow

In 2021, another walrus - called Wally - made stops at lots of places in the UK, including Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

In the last few years, three other walruses nicknamed Wally, Freya and Thor have visited the UK, also stopping to rest in different places along the coast.

They stayed for weeks and attracted lots of attention from crowds.

Unfortunately, this meant the BDMLR and other organisations had to get involved to help keep them safe.

A spokesperson for the BDMLR said: "We hope this latest individual has moved northwards back towards the normal habitat for this species and is able to continue their journey safely without intervention."