A walrus has turned up in a UK coastal town forcing a council to cancel New Year Eve fireworks over concerns it could scare the animal.
The large walrus nicknamed 'Thor' was found resting on a harbour in a rare sighting in Scarborough on December 30.
The marine mammal was discovered along the shoreline of the Solent on the south coast having travelled from Europe.
It's believed that the young walrus could have come from as far as Canada, and is likely to be 'wandering' before making his way back to his Arctic habitat.
The animal has been identified as Thor, an adolescent male that was seen on beaches in Hampshire earlier this month - and was also spotted in Holland and France.
Marine experts have now advised a town council to cancel the New Year firework display over concerns about their emotional effects on the animal.
A spokesman for Scarborough Borough Council said: "We have taken the decision to cancel tonight’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display on the advice of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), because of the arrival of the walrus ‘Thor’ in the harbour.
“There are concerns that the display could cause distress to the mammal.”
Councillor Steve Siddons, leader of the council, said: "We are really disappointed that we’ve had to cancel the fireworks but the welfare of the walrus has to take precedence.
“Our decision is based on expert advice from the BDMLR charity.”
Chris Cook, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire area coordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: "We welcome the decision to call off the fireworks but understand that some people will be disappointed the display isn’t going ahead.
"It is extremely rare that an Arctic walrus should come ashore on the Yorkshire coast.
"The creature needs time to rest and recuperate before it continues its journey.
"While there is understandable interest in the creature, we ask that it is left alone and not disturbed."
Walruses are extremely rare in the UK, though two others - Wally and Freya - have been recorded off British shores in the last two years.
It is feared that the bizarre appearances may have resulted from climate change.
All three of the animals have attracted considerable attention from crowds, with many people travelling to the coast just to catch a glimpse.
Although, wildlife charities have warned visitors to keep their distance from Thor, avoid approaching him and to keep dogs away from him.
