Two year-old elk calves were spotted in the centre of Lappeenranta on Monday.
The young animals were seen inside the parking garage of the town hall, at the Louhenpuisto park and in the vicinity of the municipal swimming pool.
In a separate incident, a car collided with an elk on the road to Lappeenranta airport, near the city centre.
Local police requested help from a local hunting club to track down the animal, which may have been injured in the crash.
"Killing an animal is the last resort, unless it is injured," said Kari Taurama, chair of the South Saimaa Game Management Association.
Young calves looking for a new home
Yearling elk calves are a perennial sight in many rural towns.
"When the mothers give birth to new calves at this time of year, they drive the previous year's calves away," Taurama said.
The lone calves try to make their own way, without their mother to protect them. This can lead them into close proximity with humans.
It is not advisable to approach elk, as they are wild animals, Taurama said.
According to Southeastern Finland Police, the risk of elk-related traffic accidents is high at this time of year. Autumn also brings a higher risk of accidents.