Authorities Issue Warning as Bears Emerge from Hibernation
As spring descends upon Central Finland, police are raising alarms about a rising number of bear sightings in residential areas. With the bears waking from their long winter slumber, residents are urged to take precautions to minimize encounters.
Authorities have noted an unusual influx of bear activity, particularly in the northern regions. Reports indicate that while many confirmed sightings come from tracks and wildlife cameras set up in hunting territories, bears have increasingly ventured closer to homes and gardens.
The awakening bears, driven by hunger after months of hibernation, are drawn to readily available food, often found in garbage bins and compost piles. To curb these encounters, law enforcement is reminding the public that once a bear discovers a food source, it quickly learns to return to that spot—making proactive measures essential.
Best Practices to Deter Bears:
- Clean Up Bird Feeders: Ensure any scraps are removed promptly.
- Limit Outdoor Food Waste: Refrain from placing strong-scented rubbish outside.
- Manage Garbage Collection: In less populated areas, keep bins covered until collection day and place them roadside only shortly before pickup.
Authorities stress that the key to keeping bears at bay is eliminating any potential attractants in residential spaces.
In collaboration with game management associations and the Finnish Wildlife Agency, police are actively monitoring bear behavior. Should the situation warrant it, they are prepared to intervene—whether through measures such as expulsion or the deployment of sound repellents.
Inspector Teemu Karhunen elaborated, “If necessary, efforts are made to change the behavior of bears, for example, through expulsion measures ordered by the police or sound repellents provided by the Wildlife Agency.”
What To Do If You Encounter a Bear
Should a large predator appear in your garden, follow these guidelines for a safe response:
- Emergency Contact: Call the emergency number 112 if the bear exhibits threatening behavior, approaches people, or refuses to leave.
- Report Sightings: Inform your local contact person at the Finnish Wildlife Agency about any sightings.
- Deterrent Methods: You can attempt to scare the bear away using noise, light, or other harmless methods.
By taking these precautions and remaining vigilant, residents can help ensure a safe and harmonious coexistence with their wild neighbors.