Photos: Walrus makes rare appearance on N.L. beach
The young walrus attracted quite a crowd.
An Atlantic walrus became an overnight sensation when it turned up at Middle Cove Beach in Newfoundland and Labrador on the weekend.
Based on its estimated size of 181 kg and the length of its tusks, officials believe it is a juvenile.
The walrus has become a local celebrity. (Alick Tsui/supplied)
While it isn't the first time a walrus has appeared off the shores of Atlantic Canada, it's rare to see a walrus this far south.
St. John's resident Alick Tsui said he was hiking nearby when he heard about the walrus on social media. Tsui visited the beach on Saturday and Sunday, and snapped multiple photos and videos.
Experts say it's rare for a walrus to make an appearance so far south. (Alick Tsui/supplied)
In an email to The Weather Network, he described the encounter as one he would "always remember."
Word of the walrus travelled fast. By Sunday afternoon, the walrus had attracted quite the crowd, promoting the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) to issue a statement.
The walrus attracted quite the crowd, but did not appear to be agitated. (Alick Tsui/supplied)
"We know seeing a Walrus 'in the wild' is pretty cool. But they can weigh up to 1100 kg and run as fast as a human for short spurts," the DFO said in a statement on Twitter.
"Please stay safe and stay back."
Embedded content: https://twitter.com/DFO_NL/status/1523341673236889600
Tsui said that, for the most part, people cooperated.
Wildlife officials were on site Saturday and Sunday, surveying the scene. They placed yellow tape around the walrus to prevent onlookers from getting too close.
"Occasionally, one or two people tried to get closer, but they were always approached by public officials and told to back away," Tsui said.
"The yellow tape was moved accordingly by the officers when the walrus moved to maintain the separation distance."
The walrus spent the weekend napping on the rocks. (Alick Tsui/supplied)
Tsui said officials confirmed the walrus did not exhibit any signs of distress, nor did it appear to be agitated by the crowd.
"It just happened to choose landfall on this popular beach to rest out," Tsui said.
"Seeing its enormity, skin textures, its tusks, feet, and unusual-looking face is something that I will always remember."
As of Tuesday, the walrus was still snoozing on the scene, albeit in an area that was harder for the public to reach.