Rare UK sighting of large walrus found near Isle of Wight

WATCH: Walrus 'Thor' returns to the Solent after chilling on Calshot beach

Nicknamed Thor, the walrus was spotted by David Mckell and 'Squidward 3 Fishing Adventures' at around 7am in Calshot.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDLMR) are at the scene alongside coastguard, with medics checking on the large mammal.

Video above courtesy of David Mckell and Squidward 3 Fishing Adventures

Thor was first sighted in the Netherlands on November 6 and has been travelling along the coast of France as far as Brittany in the last few weeks.

People are being advised to give the walrus stay clear of the walrus to avoid disturbing it. Walruses are protected from disturbance under UK law.

Walrus across the Solent today (Image: British Divers Marine Life Rescue)

The marine mammals travel long distances and have rest stops to recover and regain energy before moving on again.

Last year, two walruses visited the UK - Wally, who came to south Wales and the Isles of Scilly and Freya, who visited Northumberland and Shetland.

A spokesperson from the BDMLR said: “We do not know how long Thor will be around the UK, but while he/she is here, we ask everyone to behave sensibly and responsibly for their safety, as well as that of the walrus to avoid a worst-case scenario occurring.”

A lot of interest in Calshot this morning (Image: British Divers Marine Life Rescue)

According to the Natural History Museum, walruses are occasionally seen around the UK and Ireland, with only 38 sightings in the past 130 years. 

Fully-grown walruses weigh around two tonnes and measure nearly 4m long, and can live for 40 years.

Walrus across the Solent today (Image: British Divers Marine Life Rescue)