Bear Collides with Passenger Car on Highway 5 in Mäntyharju
Police in South Savo are searching for an injured bear after it collided with a passenger car on Highway 5 near Mäntyharju late Saturday night. The incident occurred shortly before midnight near Karankamäki, according to the South Savo Police Department (Iltalehti).
The emergency center received a report of the accident at 23:51, with authorities confirming that the bear fled the scene in the direction of Koirakivi. The animal was injured in the collision and is considered dangerous due to its condition. Police have warned the public not to approach the bear and to report any sightings to the emergency center at 112 (Yle; Iltalehti).
In addition to the driver, the passenger car was carrying three other individuals, none of whom sustained injuries in the crash (Yle).
To assist in tracking the bear, police have enlisted the help of SRVA operators—specialized hunters and dog handlers authorized to support law enforcement in locating injured large game (Iltalehti). Search efforts are currently focused near the accident site.