Mild winter spurs bears to emerge from hibernation earlier

Multiple sightings in February and early March in Russia, Finland and the US, raising concerns of increased conflicts with humans

An unusually warm winter has caused bears to stir early from hibernation in several countries, raising concerns of an increased number of conflicts with humans.

There have been multiple sightings of bears emerging from hibernation in February and early March in Russia, Finland and the US, a situation apparently triggered by the mild winter experienced in many countries.