Finnish police search for injured bear after road collision

Police in eastern Finland are searching for an injured bear that may pose a danger to the public after a collision with a car on Highway 5 near Mäntyharju, reports Yle, Finland’s national broadcaster.

The emergency services received a report of the traffic accident just after midnight. According to police, the driver of a passenger car struck the bear, which then fled the scene toward the Koirakivi area. The bear is believed to have been injured in the collision and could be aggressive.

Police and wildlife response teams are tracking the animal near the accident site. Authorities have warned the public not to approach the bear if spotted.

The car carried four people, including the driver, none of whom were injured in the incident. Police have asked anyone who sees the bear in the vicinity to contact emergency services immediately.