Germany

Updated: March 6, 2023
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Below you can find a complete list of types of animals in Germany. We currently track 319 animals in Germany and are adding more every day!

Germany is a European country famous for its magnificent forests, soaring Alps, and two major rivers, the Danube and the Rhine. Germany is bordered in the north by Denmark, in the south by Switzerland and Austria, in the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, by France in the southwest, and by Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium in the west. Germany also borders the North Sea and the Adriatic Sea in the north. Germany is unique in sharing borders with nine European countries. Only Russia borders more European countries–ten in all.

Germany Map

Germany shares borders with nine European countries, plus the North Sea and the Adriatic Sea.

©Hyotographics/Shutterstock.com

This varied geography means you can find a huge variety of wildlife here. The mountains are home to wolves, chamois, and Alpine ibex. In the forests, you will find European wildcats, European badgers, lynxes, bats, deer, red squirrels, and red foxes. Germany’s native birds include the boreal owl, bean goose, carrion crow, and mistle thrush. Whales, porpoises, and sharks live in the ocean waters.

Unique Wildlife in Germany

Common species of the world do reside in the country; however, there are many unique native species to Germany.

The chamois is a goat antelope that lives in the German Alps. Herds of chamois regularly run through the mountain passes.

The European badger has distinctive black-and-white striping. This fastidious animal is known for daily cleaning of its burrows and building latrines in its territory. The badger inhabits Germany’s forests and woodlands.

Chamois high in the mountains

The chamois, a goat antelope species, inhabits the Bavarian Alps.

©Real PIX/Shutterstock.com

The European wildcat inhabits Germany’s forests. It is a small, feral cat that resembles a domestic house cat. It has a thick, shaggy pelt, a large head, and a long tail. The typical wildcat weighs about three pounds. The European wildcat is endangered in Germany and the rest of the world.

The fire salamander is a lizard that lives in the rocky parts of Germany’s mountain areas. It has a black body with bright yellow stripes and reaches a length of about 10 inches. The fire salamander’s bite is poisonous to humans, so keep a respectful distance if you see one.

The Alpine ibex lives high in the Alps. Its shaggy coat and long, curved horns make it stand out. Male ibex use their horns to fight each other during mating season.

What Is Germany’s National Animal?

The national animal of Germany is interestingly an emblematic eagle known as German Imperial Eagle (Reichsadler). The German coat of arms and other official emblems all feature a black eagle. The design dates back to the time of Charlemagne, who was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD.

German federal coat of arms

The German federal eagle coat of arms.

©BreizhAtao/Shutterstock.com

The black eagle was sometimes depicted with a double head to signify the title “Emperor” and with a single head for the title “King of the Romans.” It was utilized in coats of arms and favored by varied rulers of Germany and some neighboring kingdoms like Luxembourg. It continued to be used into modern times, with the design being altered at times, whether it was used to represent the German Empire, the German Confederation, the Weimar Republic, or even Nazi Germany. Post WWII, the Weimar Republic’s black eagle design was adopted by the Federal Republic of Germany.

While there is a true imperial eagle native to southeastern Europe and parts of Asia, and a black eagle in Asia, neither of these animals is actually the national animal of Germany. The general consensus is that the golden eagle is the actual national animal of Germany.

Where To Find the Top Wild Animals

Hiking and walking are popular pastimes, and they are the best ways to see the many types of animals in Germany. Walking in scenic areas gives you a chance to spot ibex, chamois, and bears.

Cute Red Fox

The Black Forest is home to an abundance of wildlife like foxes.

©Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com

There are many national parks and protected areas in Germany.

The Lower Oder Valley National Park protects large expanses of meadowland and riverside areas. On the banks of the Oder river, it attracts many wildlife enthusiasts. It is a major resting site for thousands of migratory birds and a huge attraction for bird watchers.

Müritz National Park offers guided trails through ancient beech forests, marshland, and over 100 lakes. It’s a picturesque protected area where you can see hundreds of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

The Black Forest is a large mountain range in southwestern Germany. Established in 2014, the Black Forest National Park is a protected area where you can spot unusual species like the Alpine marmot, a large groundhog-like critter that lives in burrows in the mountains.

Native Birds

Germany is surrounded by several countries and is bordered on the north by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The Alps lie at the southern end of the country. The various landscapes and the moderate climate make for an ideal home or resting spot for hundreds of species of birds, migratory or resident. Listed are some important avifauna of Germany:

  • GeeseBarnacle, white-fronted, and greylag are common during migration.
  • Cranes – Great bustards are of particular note here because their last remaining population of northern Europe is in Bradenburg, Germany.
  • Raptors- Summers are filled with osprey, lesser spotted eagles, and kites.
  • Waterfowl- Marshes and lakes provide shelter and nesting sites for rare little egrets and more common great egrets. Grebes, crakes, and sandpipers also roam the shorelines and reeds.
cuckoo with wings spread

Cuckoo birds, which do inhabit Germany seasonally, became a design feature of the famous Black Forest clock, later dubbed a cuckoo clock.

©iStock.com/Howard Kearley

Unfortunately, like many other places in the world, the beautiful birds of Germany are under threat of endangerment and extinction. When visiting, respect rules and regulations regarding avifauna and the nature of the country.

National Bird of Germany

In Germany, the eagle symbolized power and freedom throughout the country’s history. Even today an eagle is front and center on Germany’s Federal Coat of Arms, something that hasn’t changed since 1950. The type of eagle represented as the Federal Eagle, the national bird of Germany, is understood as an abstract concept of eagles vs. a representation of a specific subspecies, however, it may have been based in part on the eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliacal)

Native Fish

Northern Germany offers visiting and local fishermen plentiful fishing opportunities in the North and Baltic Seas as well as rivers and lakes, which also dot the southern part of the country. As in most countries, fishing permits must be acquired prior to trips, usually through local fishing shops or clubs. Below we will further discuss areas of fishing and common species found to catch!

Flounder on the seabed

The Baltic Sea is a popular place for commercial fishing of fish like sea trout, salmon, and European Flounder.

©Brocken Inaglory / Creative Commons

  • Baltic Sea – Uniquely, the waters of the Baltic Sea are brackish, meaning a combination of salt and freshwater. Accordingly, both freshwater and saltwater species able to survive and adapt to these conditions are found in these waters. The slightly saline waters also attribute to larger-sized fish, perfect for incoming anglers. Species often caught here include sea trout, salmon, northern pike, zander, European flounder, and many more! Fishing here is relatively good year-round and available in many fun places.
  • North Sea – The North Sea is a hotspot for commercial fishermen trawling for cod and other popular species. However, it is also a beautiful sea for sport fishermen to prowl. May to October is the perfect time to find mackerel, while October to May is when cod fishing is permitted. Sole fishing is only allowed 100 days out of the year.
  • Lakes – Lakes full of fish are available to visiting and local fishermen, usually home to whitling, perch, eel, pike, trout, zander, char, and bream. Again, it depends on where in the country fishermen are looking to go, but fishing is available year-round in the country.
  • Rivers – Fly fishing is particularly accessible and fun in the rivers of Germany. Various trout species, graylings, and barbel are popular finds in the multitudes of rivers in the country. The best season for fly fishing is between March and around September.

Native Snakes

Out of the many animal species of the country, snakes only hold a few places with 6 different species, two of which are venomous. Listed are the species and some interesting facts about them.

Dice snake (Natrix tessellata)

Dice snakes are a native species to Germany.

©iStock.com/Zdenek Macat

  • Grass snake – Found near water sources and feeds on amphibians primarily.
  • Aesculapian snake – Smooth scales give adult snakes a metallic gloss, while juveniles are often bright green.
  • Smooth snake – Smooth snakes come in a variety of patterns but are most commonly brown, grey, or red with dorsal dark spots.
  • Dice snake – These snakes are distinguishable by their brightly colored underbellies of yellow or orange dotted with black.
  • Common European adder (venomous) – Widespread throughout Europe, these snakes are found in many colors and pattern variations. European adders rarely bite and only when provoked or disturbed.
  • Asp viper – The upturned nose and large, triangular head of this snake are highly distinct. Males tend to be grey while females range from grey to brown to orange.

While snake bites are rare in Germany, they may occur. To prevent adverse reactions, it is important to seek medical attention after a bite, regardless of species.

Extinct and Endangered Animals In Germany

Hunting and overdevelopment have caused some native species of Germany to become extinct or nearly extinct.

For example, gray wolves became extinct in the country, but conservation groups reintroduced them in the 1990s. However, they are still endangered, and only a few packs live in the mountain forests.

Animals That Mate for Life: Gray Wolf

After being reintroduced into Germany, the gray wolf has a few packs inhabiting its forests.

©Lillian Tveit/Shutterstock.com

The Eurasian otter was also extinct after being hunted for its pelt. Recent conservation efforts have reintroduced Eurasian otter populations to German lakes and streams.

The Danube salmon is the world’s largest salmon. It can reach five feet in length. It’s an inhabitant of the river that gives it its name, but it’s the most endangered salmon in the world.

Bears became extinct in Germany in 1835. In recent years, however, biologists have spotted bears in the forests on Germany’s borders. Many believe bears will soon return to Germany.

The 7 Largest German Wild Animals

When looking for large wild animals in Germany, they really don’t compare in size to animals of other continents like Africa. But there are some animals that tip the scales, which we’ve listed below:

  • European Bison: The rarest of European animals, it can be found in the Rothaar Mountains in Hesse, Germany. It weighs an average of 1,398 lbs for males and 935 lbs for females.
  • Red Deer: Red deer can grow up to 4 feet tall and weigh as much as 530 lbs.
  • Wild Boar (Eurasian Wild Pig): This wild pig can stand as tall as 4 feet and weigh as much as 220 lbs.
  • Gray Wolf: European gray wolves average up to 150 lbs and can reach heights of 33 inches.
  • Alpine Ibex: This wild mountain goat species can weigh up to 258 lbs and reach a height of 40 inches.
  • Chamois: This goat antelope can get up to 31 inches tall and weigh as much as 121 lbs.
  • Eurasian Lynx: This endangered cat species can reach a max weight of 80 lbs and a max height of 30 inches.

The 5 Rarest German Wild Animals

There are certain German animals that are rare to spot in the wild but will thrill the hearts of any lucky animal watcher. One such animal is the beaver, which almost went extinct in the late 1800s, but made a conservative comeback due to conservation programs. Places that tourists go to witness these lovable creatures are the Spessart mountain range in southwestern Germany, as well as Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria.

The kingfisher is indigenous to Germany.

©Lukasz Lukasik / Creative Commons

The Kalkberg Cave, located in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein is one habitat to witness many varieties of Germany’s 15 bat species. The cave is the biggest spot for bats to congregate in the winter months in all of central Europe. Some bats spied there include Bechstein’s bat and Brandt’s bat, both highly rare.

On the northern German border where the North sea rests, it’s possible to see grey seals and harbor seals. And rare birds one could see include the hoopoe, the crane, and the kingfisher.

Zoos in Germany

Wildlife in Germany is easy to find and fun to see along with the incredible views of the country. Other good places to see both native and exotic animals are the zoos of Germany, many of which exist for the purpose of wildlife conservation and preservation. Here are some of the most famous zoos and animal parks in the country.

  • Zoo Leipzig – Originally a personal collection, this zoo was opened to the public in 1848. The zoo now holds around 10,000 animals of hundreds of different species including rhinoceros, tapir, wild horses, maned wolves, and many more eccentric animals. Three pillars serve as the backbone of Zoo Leizig: conservation of species, education of the public, and scientific research.
  • Zoo Rostock – Setting the zoo apart from others is the Darwineum – an exhibition based on evolution and how species diverged and became what they are today. The zoo is also home to multiple species of animals, such as orangutans, lions, polar bears, and seals. Along with education on evolution and ecology, the zoo aims to present visitors with information on the conservation of species, as well.
  • Wildpark im Grafenberger Wald – Settled on 36 hectares (64 acres), the park is the largest game park in Germany. Solely native species are on exhibit here, including wild pigs, raccoons, deer, and more. Visitors are able to get up close and personal with the local wildlife and experience them in their natural habitats.

While these animals are on display, it is essential to maintain park boundaries and regulations. Zoos play an important role in helping preserve and continue critical species of the world, both native and not.

The Rhine River flows through six different countries, including Germany.

©iStock.com/sborisov

Rivers in Germany

Germany is home to 15 different rivers that stretch 300 km (186 miles) or more. The largest river in the country is the Danube, which enters or borders 10 different companies and has a length of 1,777 miles. It has fish like trout, sturgeon, slam, mullet, tench, and Wels catfish.

Other major German rivers include the Rhine, Elbe, Oder, and Moselle.

Flag of Germany

The German flag is fairly simplistic, though it represents a country rich in history. Three color blocks run horizontally in black, red, and yellow from top to bottom. This flag was the official flag of West Germany before the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. Once the country unified, the tricolor stood for the entirety of Germany.

German Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Affenpinscher

First bred in 17th century Germany!

Allosaurus

Differnt Lizard” or Allosaurus weighed around two tonnes that is almost equal to a car.

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo has splendid all white fur and an upturned tail

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Arctic Char

Arctic char is the northern-most fish; no other fish lives anywhere further north!

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Asian Lady Beetle

Asian lady beetles infest indoor spaces, but they do not reproduce indoors.

Asp

It was the symbol of royalty in Egypt, and its bite was used for the execution of criminals in Greco-Roman times.

Atlantic Cod

One of the most popular food fishes in the world

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Badger

Can reach speeds of 30 km/h!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bavarian Mountain Hound

Calm, quiet and poised!

Beaver

Builds a dam from sticks and leaves!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Beewolf wasp

They hunt bees

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black German Shepherd

Thought to be aggressive, they are actually affectionate dogs with a protective streak.

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blackpoll Warbler

They migrate for the longest distance of any warbler.

Blue German Shepherd

The Blue German Shepherd is not actually blue but dark gray.

Booted Bantam

The feathers on the feet of tiny Booted Bantam chickens can reach up to six inches in length!

Boxer Dog

Bright, energetic and playful!

Brown-banded Cockroach

Females glue egg cases to furniture

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Cave Bear

Cave bears may have been worshiped by primitive humans.

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chamois

Natively found in the European mountains!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cicada

Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common European Adder

European adders are the only snake that lives above the Arctic Circle.

Common Frog

Found throughout the European continent!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Loon

Also known as the Great Northern Diver

Common Raven

A group of ravens is called an unkindness or a conspiracy.

Common Toad

Most active in wet weather!

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Dachshund

Fun and playful breed of small dog!

Dapple Dachshund

A Dapple Dachshund’s dappling pattern may be just one spot, or it may be numerous spots and splashes on their coat.

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Deutsche Bracke

Has long drop ears and a long narrow tail!

Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle

The Devil’s coach horse beetle can emit a noxious substance to deter predators

Dimetrodon

Dimetrodon was among the largest predators of the Early Permian Period.

Doberman Pinscher

A gentle, loyal and loving breed!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dorgi

The Dorgi is one of the more popular mixed breed dogs.

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Edible Frog

Are known to guard the muddy banks!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Eider

Eiders are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and more colorful.

Ermine

A very bold and ferocious predator!

Eurasian Beaver

Eats 20% of its weight daily!

Eurasian Bullfinch

The shy eurasian bullfinch prefers to forage very close to cover.

Eurasian Eagle-owl

The Eurasian Eagle-owl is the second largest owl in the world with a wingspan up to six feet!

Eurasian Jay

The Eurasian jay has the ability to mimic other sounds

Eurasian Lynx

Eurasian lynxes can survive extreme weather up to elevations of 18,000 feet

Eurasier

This breed came about after Julius Wipfel, a German professor in the 1940s, crossed a chow chow with a German spitz with the hope of breeding the perfect spitz.

European Goldfinch

They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, especially those containing niger seeds.

European Robin

Male robins are so aggressive and territorial that they will attack their own reflections.

European Wildcat

A group of wild cats is called a destruction

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Fallow deer

The fallow deer has more variation in its coat colors than most other deer.

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Ferret

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Fire Salamander

Its name comes from the fact that people once believed it was born in fire

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fleckvieh Cattle

Besides being bred for milk and meat, these cattle were also used as draft oxen.

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"

Frizzle Chicken

Frizzle chickens are known for their frizzled feathers, which result from a genetic mutation.

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gadwall

They make many sounds when trying to attract a mate.

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

German Longhaired Pointer

German Longhaired Pointers are excellent hunters-tracking, pointing, and retrieving game over land and water. They can jump up six feet high and make wonderful emotional support dogs!

German Pinscher

Highly intelligent and fast learners!

German Shepherd Guide

Highly active and fearless dogs!

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers are used by the Air Force, TSA, and other organizations to sniff out explosives.

German Spitz

There are five different sub-breeds of the German Spitz.

Giant Schnauzer

Large, powerful and dominant!

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Goldcrest

The goldcrest never starts moving and needs to consume for most of the day to survive. Therefore, in the colder months, it's best that eat 90% a day.

Golden Eagle

Their calls sound like high-pitched screams, but they are quiet most of the time.

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Gray Catbird

Their songs have cat-like qualities and can mimic other birds and animals, like tree frogs.

Great Dane

Large and imposing in appearance!

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Honey Buzzard

Honey buzzards are medium-sized raptors that earned their names by raiding the nests of bees and wasps.

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Houdan Chicken

The Houdan chicken has a round, fluffy crest and five toes on each foot!

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibex

Can jump over 6 feet straight up from a standstill

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jackdaw

The jackdaw tends to mate for life with a single partner

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Keeshond

Friendly, alert dogs that are loyal to their owners

King Eider

The species name, spectabilis, is Latin for “showy” or “remarkable,” referencing the attractiveness of the adult male’s plumage.

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Labmaraner

Loves to participate in activities.

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Large Munsterlander

Some people might find the Large Munsterlander too lively for their family, but they are actually very gentle with children and make fantastic family pets.

Lazarus Lizard

Lazarus Lizards can communicate through chemical and visual signals.

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leedsichthys

Leedsichthys is one of the largest fish ever discovered

Lemming

Does not hibernate during the bitter Arctic winter!

Leonberger

This dog has been used for pulling carts full of goods.

Linnet

While linnets are monogamous during mating season, they do not mate for life. While breeding pairs are together, the males are highly territorial and will defend the nesting site and the surrounding area.

Liopleurodon

Liopleurodon were fast swimmers that lived entirely under water, but they had no gills

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Loach

Have sharp spines below their eyes

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Haired Rottweiler

Rottweilers have a tendency to snore.

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Lowchen

This breed is also known as the "Little Lion Dog" for their bravery and manes.

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Marmot

A marmot spends 80% of its life below ground

Marsh Frog

Has bright green skin!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Merganser

They line their nests with their feathers

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mini Lop

One of the cutest and most popular rabbits

Miniature Pinscher

Stable rodents were kept in check by using it as a barnyard ratter.

Modern Game Chicken

The Modern Game chicken is a lanky bird with legs that go for days!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Cricket

Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Muskrat

The muskrat can stay underwater up to 17 minutes at a time

Natterjack

Can lay up to 7500 eggs

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

The Netherland dwarf rabbit is the smallest domestic rabbit breed in the world.

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Northern Pintail

Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!

Nut Weevil

Bore holes in tree nuts and lay their eggs inside

Nutria

An invasive species, one female nutria can birth up to 200 babies in just a few years of living!

Old House Borer

Depending on the habitat and climate, these beetles can live between 2 to 10 years, often staying in their larval stage for several years, making them extremely dangerous to wooden structures.

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Ortolan Bunting

The tradition of hiding your face with a napkin or towel while eating this bird was begun by a priest who was a friend of the great French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.

Oscar Fish

The Oscar fish has teeth in its throat!

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Palaeophis

This snake was as long as a school bus!

Parakeet

Monk parakeets are the only parakeets that actually build nests. They’re also the only parakeets to nest in great colonies.

Parti Schnauzer

Parti Schnauzers are great pest controllers. They were bred to catch rodents, so if you have a rat problem, they might be the pet for you.

Peppered Moth

Teachers in schools often use the evolution of the peppered moth as a good example of Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Piebald Dachshund

Hotdogs were originally called "Dachshund sausages" because they resembled the dachshund's wiener-like body!

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pine Marten

A pine marten can jump from tree to tree similar to a squirrel.

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Pterodactyl

Pterodactyl is not technically a dinosaur. Although they lived during the same time as dinosaurs, they are classified as winged reptiles.

Pudelpointer

Like their poodle parent, Pudelpointers love to swim in pools!

Pugapoo

The pugapoo is the fusion of a pug and a poodle.

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Red Deer

A male red deer shows his age in his antlers, which become longer and more branched every year.

Red Kite

This bird moves its tail to steer its body like a rudder on a boat.

Redstart

They build their nests off the ground in tree holes, cavities, stone walls, and roofs

Rhea

Male rheas mate with up to a dozen females and single-handedly raise up to 80 chicks at once!

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Roe Deer

The roe is one of the most popular game animals in Europe

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Rottweiler

Strong, loyal and self-assured!

Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)

Its scientific name, lagopus, is Ancient Greek for “hare” and “foot,” referring to its feathered feet and toes.

Sable Black German Shepherd

According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the United States

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Sable German Shepherd

The gene responsible for their color is also found in wolves.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sand Lizard

Males turn green in spring!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

Song Thrush

A male song thrush can have over 100 phrases in his repertoire of songs and can imitate pet birds, telephones and other man-made objects.

Spadefoot Toad

They spend most of their time underground!

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Standard Schnauzer

This dog’s facial hair makes it look like it has a beard.

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tawny Owl

The most widespread owl in Europe!

Teacup Miniature Horse

Female teacup minis become sexually mature between 2 and 5 years old, but breeders typically wait until their horse is 3 before letting her reproduce to prevent complications.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Theropod

Some theropods had feathers and may have been ancestors of modern birds.

Thornback Ray

The skate with the biggest spines!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tiger Moth

The bright colors of this moth are a signal to predators that it has a terrible taste.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Toy Poodle

The word poodle is derived from German, and it means "to splash" or "puddle."

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Vole

The largest Vole species in the UK!

Wax Moth

The Wax Moth larvae are more dangerous than the adult.

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is nicknamed the gray ghost.

Welsh Black Cattle

Welsh Black Cattle were once used as currency in Wales and referred to as “black gold”.

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

White-Tailed Eagle

It is one of the biggest birds of prey.

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Woolly Rhinoceros

The woolly rhinoceros roamed the earth between three and a half million and 14,000 years ago.

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Wryneck

They feign death by making their bodies limp and closing their eyes.

Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)

They follow after seals and whales to eat their scraps.

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

German Animals List

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About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

Germany FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are There Wild Animals in Germany?

There are many wild animals in Germany. Although Germany has major cities and a global economy, it also has vast expanses of forest and untouched mountain areas. Its unique animals include Bavarian pine voles, West Europan hedgehogs, bicolored shrews, greater mouse-eared bat, humpback whales, common minke whales, Eurasian lynxes, and other exotic animals.

What Dangerous Animals Live in Germany?

Wild boars are the most dangerous animals in Germany. These large, feral members of the pig family will attack humans who get in their way, especially during the mating season or when protecting their piglets. There have also been many car and motorcycle accidents involving wild boars.

Ticks are another dangerous animal in Germany. These tiny bloodsuckers can transmit dangerous conditions like Lyme disease and encephalitis. You can pick up ticks while hiking or camping.

What Is the Most Common Animal in Germany?

The most common animal in Germany is the roebuck. It is also known as the Western roe deer or roebuck. The roebuck is the male of the roe deer, which is a small, graceful deer common to European forests.

A roe deer typically stands about 36 inches in height and weighs about 66 pounds.

There is a small population of totally black roe deer that inhabit the northern forests of Germany. This is the only place you can find them, and they make up about 5% of the total roe deer population.

The population of European pine martens has exploded in Germany, and Germans regularly report finding these cute but destructive critters in their attics and cars.

Red foxes have also thrived. There are hundreds of thousands of red foxes in Germany.

Red squirrels are exotic in other countries, but they are common in Germany’s woodlands. Their bright orange fur and pointed ears make them stand out in the landscape.