Norwegian sea elephant climbs on yacht to sleep

This 600kg mammal caught the attention of Norwegians, even being broadcast live on the website of the local newspaper.

A female sea elephant nicknamed Freya has caught the attention of Norwegians when she basking in the sun, lying on a yacht in Oslo Bay, attracting great media attention.

Freya weighing 600kg is named after the Norse goddess of love and beauty. It has been seen in the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden and is now spending its summers in Norway.

Freya swims in Frognerkilen Bay, Oslo, Norway. (Photo: Reuters).

Freya first became famous in Norway when she managed to climb aboard yachts in Kragero, a southern coastal village, and she has now done the same on July 17 in central waters.

The presence of this mammal, which normally lives in the northern part of the Arctic, has intrigued locals and the press. The Verdens Gang live streamed all of its action on their website.

They have filmed Freya chasing a duck and attacking a swan, but more often it's slumbering in boats trying to bear the weight of a large animal. On average, a sea elephant can sleep up to 20 hours a day.

Rolf Harald Jensen, a fisheries officer, said: 'While there was material damage, it was obvious when there was wildlife present.

After considering Freya's relocation or even euthanasia if it endangers everyone, Norwegian authorities have decided not to do anything about it.

"It is quite healthy, fed, rested and in good condition," the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate said on July 25.

However, it is important that people keep a safe distance from it and they strongly advise against swimming or kayaking near Freya.

'Normal sea elephants are not a danger to humans as long as you keep a safe distance. But if it is disturbed by humans and does not get the necessary rest, it can feel threatened and attacked," according to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.

The sea elephant is a protected species that mainly feeds on invertebrates such as krill, shrimp, crabs and small fish.

An adult male sea elephant weighs about a ton while a female weighs only about 700kg.