Lynx Sightings on the Rise in Finland
Encounters with lynx in Finland have long been a rarity, but recent trends suggest they are becoming more frequent as the population steadily increases.
A Close Encounter
Fairy tale Elo had a memorable brush with nature one evening last week while driving near her home in Kotka, a picturesque city in southeastern Finland. It was then that she spotted a striking lynx meandering along the road in Tiutinen, an island district of the city. In a charming turn of events, the wild cat later settled down at a nearby bus stop.
“We stopped to watch as it calmly laid down on a pile of sand behind the bus stop,” Elo recounted. “We opened the windows and filmed it, and it wasn’t afraid of us at all. It was less than 10 meters away.” After a brief repose, the lynx resumed its journey deeper into the island.
Life on Tiutinen Island
Tiutinen, a tranquil island with a population of about 330 residents, is easily accessible by road from the mainland. Recognizing the potential danger that their four-legged furry friends might face, Elo shared her video on a local Facebook group, mindful of the dogs, cats, and even chickens that many islanders keep.
“A few years back, I saw a deer killed by a lynx here, so I felt it was important to alert the residents to keep an eye on their animals,” she explained.
Reflecting on her experiences, Elo added, “Last winter, I heard a lynx yowling in the forest. When it eventually emerged, it was dark, and I couldn’t get a good look. This time, seeing one up close was simply amazing.”
An Increasingly Common Guest
Ohto Salo, the Southeast Finland regional game manager at the Finnish Wildlife Agency, noted that while encounters with lynx are still uncommon, they are on the rise. A decline in hunting the past couple of years has contributed to this growth.
According to estimates from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), the lynx population now stands at 2,990 to 3,620—an increase of roughly 20% from the previous year. This figure excludes reindeer herding districts that cover more than a third of Finland.
In the previous year, the government relaxed hunting restrictions on lynx and other large predators. However, many of these permits were struck down by courts in 2024, indicating a shift in regulatory dynamics.
Traditionally shy creatures, lynx are becoming less fearful of humans and gradually encroaching on built-up areas in search of food like roe deer and hares. “We’re seeing more lynx sightings near settled areas in southeast Finland and throughout the country,” Salo confirmed.
Understanding Lynx Behavior
It is suspected that the lynx spotted by Elo made its way to Tiutinen by traversing the road, as they generally avoid swimming unless absolutely necessary. Salo pointed out, “I don’t believe we’ve studied lynxes’ swimming abilities in Finnish conditions.”
While lynx pose no direct threat to humans, Salo emphasized that any lynx causing significant damage should be reported to the Wildlife Agency. As these elusive creatures venture closer to human habitats, awareness and understanding will be key in navigating this shared space.