Tourist fined for approaching walrus in Norway

The man went near the animal on an ice floe near the world's

A tourist has been fined 10,000 Norwegian kroner (around £780) for approaching a walrus on an ice floe near the world's northernmost point.

The incident happened on the island of Svalbard, which is part of Norway. The man, who was not identified, went within 50 metres of the walrus, which is illegal in Norway.

Walruses are protected animals in Norway, and it is illegal to disturb them. This is because they are easily spooked, and if they are disturbed, they may abandon their young or become aggressive.

The man was fined by the Norwegian Polar Institute, which is responsible for enforcing the law on Svalbard. The fine is the maximum amount that can be imposed for this type of offence.

The Norwegian Polar Institute said in a statement that it is important to keep a safe distance from walruses and other wildlife in Svalbard.

"We ask all visitors to Svalbard to respect the wildlife and to keep a safe distance from animals," the statement said.

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