Part two of additional info about interesting mammal species occurring in Finland

In previous news items we put the carnivores in the spotlight. We outlined the year in the life of the Finnish brown bears, described a remarkable observation of a genuine brown bear away from the classic feeding places and wrote down some atmospheric moments of encounters we had from the hides concerning the different carnivores in mutual interaction with each other. On top of that, we wrote a news item about two enigmatic bird species residing in dense, remote and often old growth coniferous forests in Finland and seen during EB5 trips: Red-flanked Bluetail and Great Grey Owl.

 

In this item we highlight  about usually lesser known or more common, but certainly just as interesting encounters, with local fauna seen during EB5 trips.

 

Finland’s largest hoofed mammal

Easy elk observations: it is something we have struggled with for years to be able to offer as a solid part of the tour without having to drive endlessly during the night hours on Finnish gravel roads. Some earlier prospecting for this summer finally changed that. Along one road an adjacent field with natural vegetation, mainly consisting of clover, turned out to be the magnet to attract these large grazers. On four days, on separate occasions, we saw respectively nine, four, six and eight different individuals. This within half an hour’s drive from Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

And very remarkable is the fact that the animals were already present early in the evening. So, the usual waiting until the twilight of dusk when the animals make their appearance, is something that turned out not to be necessary at all. To the great delight of the photographers! Although of less value, the abundancy of introduced species of ungulates such as fallow and white-tailed deer, are a nice by-catch. Based on the number of ungulates, we felt like we were driving around in an African park during one of these elk safaris! The only difference was the absence of apex predators!

 

An isolated population of a fresh-water seal in Finland’s largest lake

 

A visit to lake Saimaa is a regular stopover during spring and summer trips to Finland. This is because of the presence of the Saimaa ringed seal there; Finland’s only endemic mammal species. We already wrote an extensive news item about this mammal in the past:

The Saimaa Ringed Seal

It is beyond doubt that May is the best month to observe these aquatic animals, as they shed their fur then. It is the period when the animals can most often be spotted on protruding rocks in the water or on higher, stony banks. Multiple individuals during a boat trip in May are certainly not exceptional. The regular spot for observing the animals is the Linnansaari NP. This year, however, we also carried out prospecting in the nearby Kolovesi NP as well as in the Joutenvesi archipelago. Both are just as beautiful as Linnansaari! And Kolovesi is unique because no motorized traffic is allowed. A must-add destination for those who, by using a kayak or a canoe, want to get out on the water in a more active way while exploring the region with the aim of spotting the freshwater seal. In Joutenvesi, where motorized traffic is allowed, this is also possible with self-rented motorboats. Something for those wanting to be both the spotter and the captain! Finland has so much more to offer for those who want an active holiday combined with wildlife!