Bears Startle Hikers in Park Near Helsinki

The helicopter picked up the two frightened women on the frozen Pitkä Saarijärvi lake near the border of Vihti and Espoo. The mother did not behave aggressively.

This was the first bear sighting of this spring reported to the Game and Fisheries Research Institute (RKTL).

"These bears have woken a bit early, but spring is arriving in Southern Finland," says RKTL researcher Samuli Heikkinen.

Bear sightings are rare in Nuuksio, a popular destination for outdoors lovers in the Helsinki region. Police estimated that several hundred people are using the park this weekend. The 45-square-kilometre park stretches over parts of Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti.

Wildlife officials say that those hiking in areas where bears may be present should be sure to make enough noise that the animals can move on before an encounter with humans. Extreme caution is needed if bear tracks are seen, especially those of a mother with cubs.