Authorities in Kotka, Finland are in a frantic search for a missing granite bear statue weighing 1300 kilograms. The statue had been a prominent feature in the Karhula neighborhood for over 20 years and was regarded as a symbol of the area. City gardener Kairi Meos emphasized its significance, noting that residents have deep emotional ties to the statue, which has historical value for them.

The bear statue, approximately 1.5 meters tall, was moved to storage due to construction work but was discovered missing last autumn. The current leader of the family-run company that created the statue, Esa Vikman, confirmed that there are actually two bear statues, with the first being placed in their workshop yard by his father. The bear's disappearance has raised concern among locals who cherish its legacy and are now actively participating in the search efforts.

This incident not only highlights the importance of local art and landmarks but also shows the community's dedication to preserving their history. The loss of the statue is a blow to the identity of the Karhula neighborhood, and efforts to locate it reflect a collective investment in maintaining cultural symbols amid modernization efforts in the area.