Bears, Wolves & Wolverines of Taiga
This summer I headed back to the remote forests of Finland’s eastern border with Russia, searching for the large predators that call this wilderness their home.
I was leading our Boreal Predators Photography tour a little later in the year than usual, but these forests are the perfect place to photograph some of Europe’s most elusive species throughout the summer months. Just like last year, the trip was absolutely incredible and we were blessed with a number of remarkable sightings and I am sure there are numerous moments that will stick with us all for many years to come.
Our first night was probably the best I have ever had in Finland. To our astonishment, as we settled down in our hides for the night, a young wolf appeared on the edge of the tree line. We had only been there for a couple of minutes and we were already in awe.
As the evening progressed we were treated to numerous bears in the open marshland in front of us. It was after a couple of hours that the alpha male of the local wolf pack appeared. For the next four hours or so, the action was relentless. Wolves and bears seemed to be everywhere. Incredible behaviour and superb photography opportunities for the whole group were just the start. As the light started to fade, we noticed movement on the far side of the clearing. We couldn’t believe our eyes – five wolf pups were moving towards the hides in a line – it was utterly magical. They never came particularly close but that evening alone we saw eight different wolves and at least five different bears.
Then there was the last hurrah. After all but one wolf had disappeared from our view the most magical moment happened. To our left, hidden in the forest, a wolf started to howl. One by one, the rest of the pack started to join in and the hairs on the back our necks stood on end. I cannot even begin to describe it, that primeval feeling that fills your body with adrenaline and gives you goosebumps all over. It is surely one of the most remarkable sounds you can ever hear, particularly when you are sat so close.
It wasn’t all about the wolves though. The whole group were treated to brilliant sightings of all three of our target species. Wolf, bear and wolverine were photographed by the entire group – some of the resulting imagery was outstanding.
This tour once again delivered and I cannot wait to be leading our 2020 departure. If you have always wanted to photograph wolf, bear or wolverine, then this is the trip for you.
Book your place on our Boreal Predators Photography tour in 2020 or contact a member of the Wildlife team.
