Walrus spotted 'resting on rocks' in Fife

A walrus has been spotted resting on the rocks off the coast of Fife in a rare sighting.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were alerted to the unusual incident near Elie on January 31. The sighting of the healthy animal was not shared publicly in an effort to protect its welfare.

The walrus was monitored for the rest of the day to ensure it remained undisturbed. It had left the area the following day.

The sighting of walruses in the UK is considered unusual, however, the frequency of sightings has been increasing in recent years.

It is believed this may be due to their habitat in the Artic being destroyed by global warming.

Three well-known walruses, Wally, Freya and Thor, have all passed through the UK, hauling out at several locations. They sometimes spent weeks in the area where they became significant public attractions requiring intensive management.

It is hoped that the Fife walrus has travelled north towards its normal habitat.