In the vast boreal forests of eastern Finland, Kuikka Lake is a calming oasis and the perfect wilderness area to watch and photograph Eurasian brown bear, wolverine and Eurasian wolf.
Kuikka Topography
Situated close to the Russian border, the lake is surrounded by native forests and wetlands, providing a mosaic of habitats which support a wonderful array of sought-after species.
Wildlife hides in Kuikka
Several purpose-built hides provide the opportunity to photograph the area’s population of brown bear and wolverine. What makes this area a particular draw is the pack of wolves which are regularly seen and provide world-class photographic opportunities. Around the lake itself it's possible to enjoy views of European elk, white-tailed eagle, pied flycatcher, goldeneye and red squirrel. Summer is typically thought of as the best time of year to enjoy the area’s exceptional wildlife. Guests are usually transported to the hides in the late afternoon as most of the wildlife become active around this time, and return to Kuikka Base Camp early in the morning to rest and prepare for another evening observing wildlife from the hides.
When to visit Kuikka Lake
As spring turns to summer (May & June) the bear mating season is over, and their attention turns to focussing on feeding. The wolverines are also busy making the most of the warmer weather, always on the move as they look for their next meal. This time of year is when the wolves are denning, and they're busy raising their pups – they appear silently from the trees before disappearing as quickly as they appear. With near 24-hour daylight, it's possible to watch wildlife throughout the night.
With summer in full swing (July & August) the bears and wolverines are becoming more and more active. The meadows and marshes are full of wildflowers, and the warmer days mean that much of the predators’ activity is restricted to the evenings. The wolf pups start to venture away from the den and can sometimes be seen on the forest edge when the adults emerge in front of the hides searching for food.
September and October provide a very different experience as the rich greens of summer turn to reds, golden yellows and browns. It’s the last chance for the bears to fatten up before hibernation. The wolverine are still their usual excitable selves, always on the move as they look for an easy meal. The pack of wolves and their fast-growing pups start to grow their winter coat, changing their appearance. With the wonderful autumnal hues, and longer nights, this offers a very different experience from the summer months.
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