Understanding bear behavior: The foundation of safe wildlife viewing
When you venture into the world of bearwatching, understanding the creatures you’re observing becomes your most valuable safety tool. Here in Finland’s eastern wilderness, we at Martinselkonen have spent decades observing and documenting the behaviour of our most magnificent predator—the brown bear (Ursus arctos).
Brown bears display distinctive seasonal patterns that directly impact your viewing experience. During spring, bears emerge from hibernation hungry and focused on replenishing lost body weight. Summer brings the breeding season, when males may travel extensively searching for mates. By late summer bears enter hyperphagia—consuming up to 20,000 calories daily to prepare for winter hibernation. This period offers exceptional viewing opportunities at our hides as bears concentrate on feeding.
Recognising bear communication signals is crucial for safe wildlife viewing. Watch for these warning signs of stress or potential aggression:
- Salivating or excessive mouth movements
- Huffing, woofing or teeth-clacking sounds
- Direct staring with ears pinned back
- Ground pawing or bluff charges
Essential safety protocols for bear watching
At Martinselkonen, safety forms the cornerwork of our bearwatching experiences. The primary rule is maintaining appropriate distance. Our specially designed viewing hides provide safe, close observation without disturbing these magnificent animals.
Group dynamics matter tremendously in bear country. We typically maintain small to medium group sizes during guided experiences, as this balances safety with minimal disturbance. Proper noise management is essential—speak in low voices inside hides and maintain awareness without unnecessary sounds that might startle or disturb bears.
Food and scent management are also aspects of responsible bearwatching. All food items remain stored in sealed containers, and waste is packed out completely. Our professional guides provide comprehensive safety briefings before each expedition, proper hiking formation, and emergency protocols. Remember that most negative encounters stem from surprising a bear—the very thing our structured viewing experiences are designed to prevent.
What equipment do you need for successful bear photography?
Capturing breathtaking bear images requires thoughtful equipment selection.In Martinselkonen the bears are often very close. So suitable lens is from wide angle to 300mm. But for example in lake hide, you need minimum of 500mm zoom, because you are taking pictures over the lake.
Stability equipment proves essential for wildlife photography. In Martinselkonen hides you only need ball head, because the hides has screw attachment for most ball heads. Bean bags provide excellent stabilisation when shooting from hide windows or ledges—we keep several available for our photography guests. Weather-resistant gear becomes invaluable in Finland’s changeable conditions; pack lens cloths, rain covers, and silica gel packets to manage moisture. Consider bringing spare batteries and memory cards, as cold temperatures can reduce battery life, and magical moments often fill storage quickly.
For bearwatching expeditions, we suggest packing equipment in backpacks with dedicated camera compartments that offer protection whilst distributing weight comfortably. Bear-resistant food containers store snacks separately from expensive gear. Balancing preparedness with mobility remains key—our short hike to the hides requires carrying all your equipment, so prioritise gear that serves multiple purposes. Many successful wildlife photographers visiting Martinselkonen find that quality over quantity serves them well in the field.
Advanced photography techniques for capturing breathtaking bear moments
Creating compelling bear photography requires more than just equipment—thoughtful composition transforms simple documentation into storytelling. Include environmental elements that showcase the bear’s habitat; the misty Finnish forests and golden evening light of Martinselkonen provide stunning natural frames. When possible, position yourself to capture eye contact, as this creates immediate connection with viewers. Leave appropriate space in the direction the bear is moving or looking to create dynamic tension in your images.
Technical settings should adapt to the specific conditions and behaviours you’re photographing. For bears moving through the landscape, maintain a minimum shutter speed of 1/500s to freeze action; for feeding or stationary bears, 1/125s may suffice whilst allowing lower ISO values. We suggest aperture priority mode (f/5.6-f/8) with auto ISO for rapidly changing conditions, with exposure compensation readily accessible for quick adjustments. The golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—provide magical directional light that reveals texture and depth in the bear’s fur.
Planning your bear watching expedition at Martinselkosen Eräkeskus
The optimal bearwatching season at Martinselkonen runs from April through August, with peak activity occurring in June and July when daylight extends to nearly 24 hours. Early summer brings the emergence of new cubs, while late summer offers excellent opportunities to observe bears feeding intensively on seasonal berries and other natural foods. We recommend booking at least 2-3 nights for photography purposes, as bear behaviour and movements vary naturally from day to day.
Our specially designed viewing facilities include professionally constructed hides positioned at locations where bears naturally congregate. The main viewing hides accommodate 12 persons with comfortable seating, while our photography-specific hides feature lower viewing ports optimised for camera use with maximum stability. Each hide includes basic facilities for extended observation sessions, and our guides transport necessary food and equipment to make your experience comfortable.
Preparing for your bearwatching expedition requires specific considerations for the Finnish wilderness. We recommend layered clothing in muted natural colours (avoiding bright colours or strong fragrances), waterproof outer layers, and insect repellent during summer months. Photography participants should bring lightweight gloves that allow camera operation whilst keeping hands warm during evening sessions. Our pre-expedition briefing covers all necessary preparation, but the most important element remains an attitude of patience and respect for these magnificent animals.
Frequently asked questions about bear watching and photography
How safe is bearwatching as an activity? When conducted responsibly with professional guidance, bearwatching represents an exceptionally safe wildlife experience. At Martinselkonen, we’ve facilitated thousands of bear observations without incident by maintaining appropriate distances, using purpose-built hides, and providing thorough safety education. Our guided experiences eliminate many risk factors associated with independent bear encounters in the wild.
Understanding legal requirements enhances your bearwatching experience. In Finland, wildlife photography requires landowner permission and adherence to protected area regulations. At Martinselkonen, we handle all necessary permits for our guests. However, ethical considerations extend beyond legal requirements—we maintain appropriate distances and never approach bears directly.
Many photographers ask about capturing unique moments that elevate their work. The key difference between amateur and professional wildlife photography often lies not in equipment but in preparation and patience. Understanding bear behaviour patterns allows anticipation of meaningful moments—a mother teaching cubs to forage, the first tentative steps of cubs, or interactions between bears establishing hierarchy. Our experienced guides provide insights into behavioural cues that help photographers prepare for these fleeting, magical moments that tell the authentic story of bears in the Finnish wilderness.