This winter has been notably severe, allowing predatory animals like foxes and raccoon dogs to roam extensively through the archipelago, according to reports from Svenska Yle. The Archipelago Nature Management and Conservation Association has expressed concerns that these animals could return to and establish themselves on islands from which they had previously been removed. Tommy Arfman, the director of the association, emphasizes the risks of these predators reaching areas that are crucial for bird nesting, raising alarms about the ecological balance in these regions.

The ice has extended even south of Utö and beyond Bengtskär, enabling these predators to access more areas than usual. As they traverse the ice, there are implications for the local fauna, as their presence can disrupt the nesting patterns of birds. Furthermore, the mink, although a proficient swimmer, is also at risk on the ice, as it becomes vulnerable to bird of prey attacks, which can lead to increased mortality rates among this species due to their exposure on icy surfaces.

The association was founded in 2019 for the purpose of trapping and exterminating minks and raccoon dogs in the archipelago. With the continuation of these unusual winter conditions, the potential for a rise in the predator population could pose long-term challenges for bird conservation efforts in the region. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of climate events and wildlife management in maintaining ecological balance in Finland's archipelago.