Witness an adorable moment as a mischievous bear cub playfully peeks its head around a tree, seemingly seeking attention, while honing its climbing skills alongside its sibling and attentive mother.
In a secluded forest in northern Finland, these cute cubs cautiously made their way up a tree, eager to showcase their newfound abilities.
Their vigilant mother closely monitored their progress, offering gentle encouragement when they paused just a few feet off the forest floor.
The mother bear’s guidance in teaching her cubs to climb serves multiple purposes, including enabling them to evade potential dangers, source food, and secure a safe resting place.
The enchanting scene was captured by wildlife photographer Tuomo Bjorksten, who explained that the mother bear directed her cubs up the tree to ensure their safety, as a male bear was in the vicinity.
Bjorksten, 33, shared, “There were two or three cubs with their mum, practicing climbing. The cubs looked happy that they had finally mastered it.”
The cubs attentively observed their mother’s movements, and after a while, she aided in their safe descent.
Finland’s tourism bureau estimates the country’s vast forests are home to around 1,500 brown bears.
Bjorksten further revealed, “It’s rare to see bears in Finland by simply venturing into a forest. We used preparations like food as a temptation for the bears.
This is why we were sure we would see the bears.” He added that they spent over 14 hours in a hideout for their safety, and the bears didn’t take long to appear.
While there were moments when the forest seemed empty, the cubs emerged shortly after they settled in the hideout.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Bjorksten shared his experience, saying, “I was very moved when I saw the mother coming to the cub as if to say, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.’
I believe animals have feelings, too – even if they can’t express them in words. I was thrilled to witness the bear mother with her cubs, and I’m delighted that I was able to capture this extraordinary moment on camera.”
