10_ScanMag_76_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/05/2015 18:21 Page 88
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland
Attraction of the Month, Finland
Close encounters of a wild kind Kuhmo, in the wilderness of East Finland, is a place of pilgrimage. The wildlife here is exciting and abundant, with many large mammals calling the region’s deep forests their home. One company catering to pilgrims flocking to see the wild animals up close is The Wild Brown Bear Centre, specialising in photography safaris with bears, wolverines and wolves. By Joanna Nylund | Photos: Kyle Moore
The centre has a total of 21 different hides suitable for both photography and observation. The area offers a great variety of terrain, giving the photographer an excellent opportunity to capture the wildlife against various backgrounds. Meals and accommodation are offered in a beautiful lodge on the edge of a large lake, located only a short walk away from the hides.
up to the kings of the forest, the European brown bear, there are plenty of experiences here for nature lovers to savour. The Wild Brown Bear Centre was established over 15 years ago by Ari Sääski, a Finnish naturalist. The centre caters mainly to wildlife watchers and photographers, but the area is also ideal for hiking, with numerous trails to be enjoyed in the summer months.
Into the wild Make no mistake about it: this is animal country. The centre is located in the very heart of the wilderness, home to a large variety of wildlife as well as interesting flora. From small migratory species right
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Peace for animals, shelter for humans The animal watching itself always takes place from the safety of a hide. Built to blend into nature and to allow people to see the animals in their natural habitat
without disturbing them either by smell or sight, the hides are placed in ideal locations for getting close to the animals. The Wild Brown Bear Centre boasts a total of 21 hides, located just a short 700-metre walk from the main lodge, that are accessible along wooden paths. Four of these hides are specifically built for wildlife observation. Larger than the hides intended purely for photography, they offer seating for up to ten people. The observation hides are equipped with bedding and full amenities. The hides are designed to allow the use of tripods and ball-head assemblies for your camera or binoculars. There are 17 hides built specifically for photography. Dotted around the landscape, they can be found in a small wetland area, near a small pond and inside a pine forest clearing. With photography in mind, the openings are situated at the bears’ eye level.