03/29/2005 - Rare Walrus in Resurrection Bay

Kenai Fjords Tours had the good fortune of a rare wildlife sighting on Saturday March 26, 2005, when passengers and crew aboard a Kenai Fjords Tours spring cruise spotted a walrus. Being the first time Kenai Fjords Tours has seen a walrus in Resurrection Bay, crew found it surprising to see the rare-to-the-area creature sitting on the rocks at Thumb Point.

Kenai Fjords Tours’ crew is unsure why the walrus was in Resurrection Bay, as walruses are highly social animals typically found in herds, numbering anywhere from hundreds to several thousand individuals. Walruses are generally found in regions north of Resurrection Bay, in locations such as St. Lawrence Island, the Chukchi Sea, Bristol Bay, the Bering Sea and the islands of Russia’s Gulf of Anadyr.

“I don’t expect the walrus to stick around, and I don’t expect we’ll ever see it again, but I’m very excited to have seen it,” said Kimberley Hellmers, customer service manager for Kenai Fjords Tours.

Kenai Fjords Tours, Alaska’s #1 Wildlife & Glacier Cruise, operates daily cruises from Seward throughout the summer season. Cruises are also available in the winter and spring on select dates.

The spring season is an excellent time to view other species of wildlife as well. Kenai Fjords Tours’ guests commonly see Dall porpoise, eagles, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and orca whales. Sea birds seen while cruising in Kenai Fjords National Park include goldeneyes, mergansers, loons, grebes, kittiwakes and other species of gulls.

For more information or reservations, call Kenai Fjords Tours at 1-800-478-8068 or visit www.kenaifjords.com

Contact:
Lisa Kruse
Manager Sales & Marketing
907-265-4503
[email protected]

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