A TOP Irish politician has warned the Irish public not to disturb the Arctic Walrus currently living in Irish waters.
The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD has urged 'walrus-watchers' along Ireland's southern coast to observe the walrus from a distance.
Dubbed 'Wally the Walrus', the giant creature was first spotted in Irish waters in February of this year before making his way to the UK and on to the Isles of Sicily, before heading back to colder seas.
In recent weeks, the walrus has been spotted along Ireland's east coast, and most recently made his way to the south, where he was seen on multiple occasions in West Cork, laying on rocks, swimming in the sea and even resting on boats and pontoons.
The public have been urged repeatedly not to disturb the walrus, and to keep a distance of at least 100m should they wish to see the creature, but for some this has fallen on deaf ears, as wildlife charity Seal Rescue Ireland say Wally appears to be stressed and possibly injured as boats continue to get too close to him.
Now Minister Noonan has reiterated the calls for people to "cop on" and keep back from Wally the Walrus before somebody gets hurt.
'Wally' the Arctic Walrus has been spotted along the Irish coast in recent weeks (Image: Cormac Walsh / Ireland/ Seal Rescue Ireland/ Facebook)In a statement, Minister Noonan said:
"While it’s understandable that many people are excited about the presence of a walrus on the Irish coast, we must remember that this is a wild animal and it should be respected.
"I’m appealing to everyone not to get close and only view it from a distance. This is for the animal’s sake, but also for your own, as there may be risks from a water safety perspective where large numbers of people are congregating on the water.
"Walruses are not a protected species under the Wildlife Act, it’s basically the same as a fox or rabbit under the law, so it’s up to people to cop on and have consideration for this poor wild animal, which is a long way from home," he added.
"Leave it alone and if you must go and see it, use binoculars."
ORCA Ireland welcomed Minister Noonan's appeal and reminded followers to "OBSERVE don't DISTURB", sharing multiple images of the Walrus taken on Ireland's south coast in recent days-- including one of him resting on a pontoon donated by local couple Nick and Riona Brown.
Wally the Walrus chilling on a donated pontoon, which charities hope will prevent him from climbing on and sinking private boats. (Image: ORCA Ireland / Photographer Richard T Mills)The charity had previously shared other images, by photographer Richard T Mills, showing a "carnage of activity" that "swarmed" the walrus once his location became public knowledge.
"OBSERVE don’t DISTURB!" they wrote.
"Please keep your distance! Stay [100] metres away at the very minimum!
"This Walrus is a very large wild animal, so please watch Wally from the shore and do not approach the Walrus by boat, kayak, paddle board or any other way!"
