Lynx lounges at bus stop in Kotka

A lynx was spotted resting near a bus stop on Tiutinen island in Kotka, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

A local resident, Satu Elo, saw the lynx last week from a distance of less than ten metres. The animal lay calmly behind the bus stop on a pile of sand, seemingly undisturbed by the presence of Elo and her friend, who had stopped their car to observe and film it.

After some time, the lynx continued its journey deeper into the island.

Tiutinen is a district of Kotka with around 330 inhabitants, connected to the mainland by a road. Elo noted that the area has many pets, including dogs, cats, and chickens, and shared the video on the district’s Facebook page to warn residents to keep an eye on their animals.

This was not Elo’s first lynx sighting. She had previously seen one poorly in the darkness and heard its calls in the forest.

Ohto Salo, a regional game manager in Southeast Finland, stated that lynx sightings near settlements are becoming more common as the lynx population grows. According to a population estimate by the Natural Resources Institute Finland in autumn 2025, there were approximately 2,990–3,620 lynxes outside the reindeer herding area, a 20% increase from the previous year.

Lynxes are generally shy but are increasingly venturing closer to settlements in search of food, such as roe deer and hares. Salo added that lynxes are not known to be strong swimmers, though they may swim if food is involved.

If a lynx causes significant damage to domestic animals, residents are advised to contact the Finnish Wildlife Agency.