Warning issued in Loviisa as bear activity increases near residential properties in Finland

The Finnish Wildlife Agency has issued a warning regarding bear activity in the Loviisa region, following reports to the Eastern Uusimaa police of a bear seen near residential properties. The bear has also been responsible for tipping over numerous garbage bins. According to police information, the bear mostly moves at night and seems to avoid human contact, with only a few confirmed sightings.

Police and wildlife authorities are actively monitoring the situation concerning the bear in Loviisa. They urge local residents to report any sightings of the bear in their yards or vacation properties to their designated wildlife liaison. This liaison will verify the reliability of the observations and log the reports.

If the bear does not leave the area after being spotted by a person, or if it approaches a human without fear, individuals are advised to call the emergency number 112, as stated by Chief Inspector Jussi Huhtela from the Eastern Uusimaa police in a recent statement.

Officials emphasize that the best way to prevent bear visits is to eliminate food sources that might attract them from residential areas. Bears have an exceptional sense of smell, which aids them in locating food even in close proximity to inhabited areas.