Finland’s expansive wilderness is home to its largest land predator, the brown bear. These powerful animals are an integral part of the Finnish ecosystem, thriving in the country’s vast forests and remote landscapes. Their presence contributes to the region’s biodiversity and ecological balance. Understanding their habits and distribution helps appreciate their role in the Finnish environment.
Finland’s Bear Species
The only native bear species in Finland is the Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos). These bears are distinguished by dense fur, which can vary from yellowish-brown to dark brown, and they have relatively small, rounded ears. Adult male bears can reach weights of up to 300 kilograms.
Brown bears are omnivores, with a diet adapting to seasonal availability. Their food sources include a variety of berries, plants, and fungi. They also consume meat, including fish, insects, small mammals, and carrion, especially in spring when plant matter is scarce. Beyond their ecological role, the brown bear holds deep cultural significance in Finland, recognized as the national animal and revered in ancient Finnish traditions as the “king of the forest.” This reverence is also seen in the bear’s many traditional Finnish names.
Where Bears Live in Finland
Brown bears are primarily concentrated in eastern and northern Finland, particularly in areas bordering Russia. These regions offer extensive, sparsely populated wilderness, providing ideal conditions. Their preferred habitats include dense coniferous forests, wetlands, and other remote natural environments, offering shelter and abundant food.
While their strongest populations are in the east and north, brown bears can be found almost anywhere in mainland Finland, except for the Åland Islands. Their movements are often seasonal, influenced by food availability and hibernation. Bears typically retreat to their winter dens between September and March, emerging in March or April. Activity increases significantly from spring through autumn, with a brief mating season from late May to mid-June.
Bear Population and Management
Finland’s brown bear population has shown favorable development. As of August 2022, the estimated number of bears was approximately 2,250 to 2,400 individuals before the hunting season. This indicates a robust presence, with growth trends observed in previous years, though growth stabilized around 2022.
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is responsible for monitoring the bear population, using comprehensive data, including sightings from hunting associations, reproductive biology, lifespan, and the age and gender of hunted bears. The brown bear is a protected species in Finland, a status held since 1999, and maintains a favorable conservation status under the European Union’s Habitats Directive. Management efforts aim to maintain a healthy yet cautious bear population and minimize human-bear conflicts. Regulated hunting, beginning annually on August 20th, is a population management tool, with quotas set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. For example, the 2023–2024 hunting quota was 180 specimens.
Coexisting with Bears Safely
Encounters between humans and bears in Finland are uncommon, as bears are generally shy and avoid people. Most interactions occur when a bear is surprised by human presence.
When hiking in bear country, making noise by talking or singing can alert bears to your approach, allowing them to move away.
Proper food storage is important for campers to prevent bears from associating humans with easy food. All food and garbage should be secured and not left outside overnight.
If a bear is sighted from a distance, slowly leave the area. For a closer encounter, it is important to remain calm, speak in a low, steady voice, and slowly back away, avoiding direct eye contact. Running can trigger a chase response, so avoid running. Never attempt to feed or approach a bear, especially if it is with cubs or near a carcass. While bear spray is legal in Finland, it is not widely used or recommended as a primary safety measure compared to other regions with bear populations. Non-threatening bear sightings can be reported to local game management associations.