Lack of snow keeping bears awake
Bears usually prepare a back-up den in case they have to abandon their choice of winter sleeping accommodations.
Image: Etelä-Saimaan riistanhoitoyhdistyksen havaintoverkosto
The mild and snowless winter in most parts of the country has disturbed the hibernation of wild bears. For example, a bear awakened from its winter slumber was seen near Lappeenranta on Boxing Day, likely on route to an alternative den.
Many bears are believed to be on the move this winter looking for a dry den in which to hibernate.
"There has been a lot of rain and little snow. For example, a den close to a marsh drainage ditch might be flooded as water levels rise and the bear moves out to change locations," explains Ilkka Tiainen of the local hunters' association in Parikkala. "Those bears that have gone under the roots of spruce trees may have to find a new place to bed down, too."
Back-up ready
Bears usually prepare a den for the winter somewhere unobtrusive. Young bears favour dense stands of spruce trees. Often dens have a small entrance, but are as roomy as an efficiency flat inside.
"Bears often prepare for these situations so that if their first den becomes uninhabitable for some reason, they have a back-up den ready," says Tiainen.
Bears can hibernate for more than six months of the year. While in hibernation, their pulse drops from 40 beats per minute to about 10 and body temperature falls from 38 degrees Celsius to 34. Even so, it has been found that even in this state of reduced physical activity, a bear's senses remain sharply tuned to its surroundings.
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