Marine mammal gets lost in Norway: Beluga whale spotted in river near Oslo

Beluga whales typically live in the Arctic seas off the coasts of Russia, Alaska and Canada. In Europe they are also found in the far north of Norway. But they are not often found in the south of Norway, said expert Marie-Anne Blanchet from the Norwegian Polar Institute to the AFP news agency.

Beluga whales can grow up to five meters long and can survive in fresh water. The beluga in the Drammen River appears to be an adult, said Blanchet. “He appears to be healthy and swimming normally.” But it is unclear why he got lost in the river.

Blanchet assumes that the whale can find its way back to its natural habitat. Contacts with people are “not ideal,” warned the researcher and called for the whale to be left alone. (AFP)