Victor has been coming to the suomikoulu for a long time, and has had time to explore many of the more interesting nooks and crannies across Finland. He's become an expert on Finland's railways, and uses them to get about.
Towards the end of summer last year, he could be found up near Kuusamo, visiting a wildlife refuge while staying with friends.
Their guide was an affable old gentleman, who set up the encounter we see here. One hopes it's just a trick of camera perspective that makes Victor's new acquaintance seem so close! (click on either of the pictures for a larger view)
Victor was very struck by their guide's relationship with the bear. He made sure that there was always a good distance between the group and the animal. But isn't it funny how sometimes a wire fence can seem a bit inadequate? However, he was quite happy to wander into the bear's enclosure himself - obviously the bear knew him and they were perfectly familiar.
All interesting wildlife stories are welcome for telling here! Any others?