Meeting a wolverine or a lynx

If you come across a large carnivore in the wild or in a populated area, try to keep your wits about you and use common sense. The situation will usually resolve itself as the carnivore will free from humans. If you come across a large carnivore, the best thing to do is to remain calm. Retreating the same way you came is also often the wisest option. You should not shout or turn your back on the animal. There are no known cases in Finland where a lynx or a wolverine would have seriously or fatally injured a human.

Leave the scene the same way you came

A lynx in winter coat. A lynx in winter coat. Photo: Lassi Rautiainen

There are no known cases in Finland where a lynx or a wolverine would have seriously or fatally injured a human. Some cases where a person has been bitten have been recorded over the last century, but they have either been hunting related or related to sick animals.

Report your lynx or wolverine encounter to the large carnivore contact person of the local game management association (riista.fi).

Take part in game animal research!

Report a sighting

A large carnivore sighting can consist of seeing the animal itself, or spotting the tracks, droppings, carcasses, claw marks or other signs left behind by the carnivore somewhere in the wilds. By reporting your sighting you are taking part in game animal research. Every year tens of thousands of sig...