This is the first time that scientists have reported seeing a walrus along the Northumberland Coastline. So, what has caused the Walrus to diverge from the Artic Circle – where it’s normally found?
It seems obvious that the melting of ice caps would significantly cause this migration to the UK Coast. Although, with only one Walrus that's migrated, there won’t be regular sightings of populations of Walruses any time soon. Yet, this doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the future; if the sightings of more walruses increase, this could become a more wider issue very quickly.
Not only is this sighting worrying for the climate, it is also a concern for the welfare of the mammal
Not only is this sighting worrying for the climate, it is also a concern for the welfare of the mammal. The Walrus isn’t used to the type of climate that the Northumberland Coast has, meaning that the Walrus health will be affected and it will need a considerable amount of time before it’s ready to migrate back to the Artic Circle. Scientists have urged locals to maintain a distance, in order for the Walrus to recuperate.
How many more mammals and animals will be affected by climate change? And how quickly will this novelty become an increased risk to the climate?