Valtteri Mulkahainen, a resident of Sotkamo, Finland, is not only a physical education teacher but also an avid wildlife photographer. His passion for capturing the mesmerizing beauty of Finland’s wildlife has been a long-standing one. Over the years, he has been fortunate enough to witness some truly magical moments that nature has to offer.
One such breathtaking encounter occurred during a photography expedition when Valtteri was exploring the town of Martinselkonen in Finland. As he made his way through a forested area, he suddenly stumbled upon a brown bear and her cubs walking into a clearing. The scene was nothing short of spectacular and left Valtteri in awe of the stunning wildlife that surrounded him.
Valtteri described the bear cubs’ behavior as akin to that of children at play. With their playful antics and occasional friendly scuffles, it was as if he had been transported to a neighborhood playground where youngsters romp and frolic without a care in the world.
With a distance of 50 meters from the action, the human observer had a perfect view of the three cubs playing with each other on their hind legs. It was a delightful sight as they pushed each other in a playful manner, seemingly dancing in a circle. Valtteri, the observer, made the most of the opportunity and captured images of the cubs and other bears throughout the evening and night. It is worth noting that bears are a frequent sight in most parts of Finland, except for the Aland Islands.
The eastern part of Finland is home to the majority of bears, although sightings have been reported in the southern and western regions. Bears are revered for their strength and agility, utilizing their powerful forelegs for hunting and traversing the terrain. In addition, these remarkable creatures are skilled swimmers and climbers, making them a true embodiment of versatility and adaptability. It’s safe to say that bears are a marvel of the animal kingdom, possessing a multitude of impressive skills and abilities.
Valtteri’s encounter with the bear family was nothing short of a stroke of luck. The majestic creatures are known for their elusive nature and tend to steer clear of humans. Therefore, witnessing them in their natural habitat is a rare privilege that few get to experience. Despite this, Valtteri not only came across the magnificent animals but also succeeded in capturing some breathtaking snapshots of the bears.
