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Russia

Below you can find a complete list of Russian animals. We currently track 232 animals in Russia and are adding more every day!

Russia is the largest country in the world by landmass. There are more than 125,000 types of animals in Russia. Accordingly, this number is so high because of the diverse ecosystems found in Russia, including polar deserts, tundra, forest-tundra, taiga, mixed and broad-leaved forests, forest-steppe, steppe (grassland plains), semi-desert, and subtropics. Over 250 threatened animal species inhabit the country. Many different factors threaten these species, like industrial waste, oil and gas exploration, climate change, and land degradation. There are some facts about wildlife in Russia.

The Official National Animal of Russia

The official national animal of Russia is the Eurasian brown bear. Additionally, the brown bear is also the national animal of Finland and Croatia. Officials chose this symbol because it possesses many different characteristics. People living in Russia view it as a strong animal that is resilient and persevering. You can find the largest Eurasian brown bear population in the world in Russia’s Ural Mountain range. Climate change, human development, and other factors have cut down their populations annually. While the Russian military often portrays this symbol as ferocious, the government sometimes uses other forms for the bear, occasionally in stuffed-animal-form.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals

There are many places you can find wild animals in Russia. Types of animals vary depending on climate and environment, ranging in diversity across the country.

  • Arctic Fox– You can find arctic foxes in the wild AT the Bering Sea’s Commander Islands.
  • Wild Boar– Humans introduced wild boars into the Ural Mountains range in the 1930s, and it is still a unique place to see them.
  • Red Deer– Find the largest red deer herds in Russia on the Taymyr Peninsula.
  • Eurasian Lynx– See this unique animal in coniferous forests from the western borders up to Kamchatka and Sakhalin.
  • Siberian Tigers– There are many Siberian tigers in Russia’s birch forests. In particular, look in the Sikhote-Alin Range in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk provinces to see these unique animals.
  • Polar Bears – Wrangel Island has the highest density of polar bear dens in the world. One of the reasons for this fact is that the area is highly undeveloped. Located in Russia’s Arctic Far East, Wrangel Island is often called the polar bear maternity wing.

Animals native to Russia, such as the Eurasian lynx and the Siberian tiger, are experiencing population decline as a result of human encroachment, habitat destruction, and climate change. While conservation efforts are in place, it remains important to remember rules and regulations when visiting this exquisite country.

Native Birds

Not only is Russia home to unique and intriguing mammal species, but its diverse ecology provides space for many unique avian species. Below are some helpful tips on where to find the best birdwatching in a couple of Russia’s regions.

Mostly sea and marine avian species reside in the Russian Arctic. Such birds usually choose rocky cliffs to nest upon, providing space for multitudes of birds. Listed are common avifauna found here:

  • Waterfowl – Brent goose; common eider
  • Waders – Purple sand piper
  • Skuas – Arctic and Pomarine
  • Auks – Atlantic puffin
  • Gulls – Glaucus and ivory
  • Passerines – Snow bunting

In Far East Russia, a multitude of bird species exist, including many that are rare or endangered. Around 200 plus species were recorded in this territory, below are several examples.

  • Spoon-billed sandpiper – highly endangered
  • 14 species of auks – Horned puffins, tufted puffins, parakeets, whiskered auklets, rhinoceros auklets, spectacled guillemots
  • Steller’s sea eagle – one of the highest concentrations
  • Laysan albatross
  • Mottled petrel, fork-tailed storm petrel
  • Red-faced cormorant

Russia is home to many native animals, including several avian species. Some popular native birds include Siberian grouse, Pere David’s snow finch, the Pacific loon, Eurasian skylark, the watercock, and the middle spotted woodpecker. Previously stated, many of these native species are under threat of endangerment or extinction due to habitat loss as a result of climate change and human implication.

Native Fish

Russia is ninth in the world for producing fish as it includes an exclusive economic zone, accessing 12 seas in three oceans, along with over 2 million rivers and the landlocked Caspian Sea. Popular fish species to catch include:

Marine, inland, and river fishing are all favourable pastimes in Russia, available during most of the year, regardless of lowered winter temperatures. Many fishermen world-wide visit the country to fish its waters and experience the ice-cold thrill.

  • Trout – Lake, Brook, or Rainbow; subspecies Taimen in impressive sizes (up to 5 feet!); May to October is the best time to catch these delicious fish
  • Salmon – Pacific and Atlantic; subspecies include landlocked lake and Caspian Sea salmon or river salmon. However, each species differs in season, so it’s best to go with a guide.
  • Northern Pike – Popular to ice fish in the dead of winter, best season is from May to June
  • Zander – One of the most widespread species; popular among beginners and found year-round
  • Perch – Small fish found in most rivers year-round; best time is early spring

One of the most unique fish species to exist was found in the depths of North Russian seas. The “alien fish” is monster-esque, with frightening teeth and humongous eyeballs. In addition to this strange fish, other mysterious sea creatures have also been found in Russian waters.

Native Snakes

Despite the extreme temperatures and environments of Russia, various snake species, venomous and not, still roam its provinces.

Non-venomous species to Russia include:

Venomous species found in Russia are:

  • Common European adder
  • Mamushi
  • Blunt-nosed viper
  • European cat snake
  • Japanese striped snake

Countless other snake species make their home in Russia. If bitten by one of these sneaky reptiles, it is always important to seek professional medical attention, even if the species is considered nonvenomous. Certain allergic reactions may occur and it is best to be cautious in these situations.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Russia Today

While most wildlife in Russia is not dangerous, there is some wildlife that is necessary to avoid contact with to stay safe. Keeping these facts in mind can help save your life.

  • Ticks – Ticks can carry encephalitis and Lyme disease. This can lead to swelling of the brain, seizures, and the inability to move.
  • Northern Viper – The Northern viper can grow up to 31.5 inches long and have fangs up to 1.5 inches long. While it prefers to avoid human contact, it will bite if startled. That bite can be deadly.
  • Eurasian Brown Bears – About 50% of all brown bears in the world live in Russia. These powerful bears can kill with a single swipe of their paw. Most bear attacks are by single bears, with many occurring when something wakes the bear up during winter hibernation.
  • Grey Wolves – As habitat has disappeared, grey wolves have moved into neighborhoods, which has led to more grey wolf attacks. While facts show that they often hunt in packs, but single attacks have occurred. The grey wolf prefers to dine on fish, but overfishing has lowered that number.
  • Wild boars – Wild boars use their tusk as their primary weapon. Since they cannot see well, they often attack anything that they deem a threat to them. These animals can run up to 30 miles per hour and have maintained that speed for over 1 mile.
  • Karakurt spider – Normally found in the Astrakhan Region, the Karakurt spider can migrate north when temperatures rise. If you get bitten by this spider that lives typically in ravines, then you can hold a hot match to the bite to remove the poison. In all cases, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Lynx – Lynxes often hang out in trees, where they jump down on their prey. They usually target the neck.

Endangered Russian Animals

Hunting, poaching, industrialization and other factors continue to increase the number of endangered animals in Russia annually. Some of the top endangered animals include:

Zoos of Russia

The large country of Russia holds around 32 zoos and aquaria. Out of these, several are considered the most popular; these are ranked below.

  1. Novosibirisk Zoo: Home to a “liger,” a crossbred lion and tiger, this zoo is one of the largest in the country with countless other impressive species such as white tigers, polar bears, leopards, and dolphins. Several native species are on exhibit, as well, including Siberian lynxes andPallas’s cats. The Novosibirisk Zoo was established in 1933 and is now recognised for its role in conservation efforts, protecting around 350 endangered species and dedicated to educational programs.
  2. Leningrad Zoo: At the centre of St. Petersburg, Leningrad Zoo is oldest in Russia. Exhibits in Leningrad Zoo are specially designed to keep the occupants comfortable through Russian temperature extremes, perfect for monkeys, owls, polar bears, and tigers. Twice monthly free days are provided to patrons, educational programs are directed within the zoo, and feeding shows also draw in visitors.
  3. Ishevsk Zoo: Concentrated on endangered species conservation efforts, Ishevsk Zoo was opened in 2008, commemorating the 450th anniversary of the Udmurt Republic joining Russia. A majority of the 300 species in the zoo are considered endangered and a large number are native to Russia. Brown bears, wolves, Amur tigers, leopards, walruses, and snowy owls are a few examples of species located within the zoo.
  4. Moscow Zoo: Known as the largest zoo in Russia and the first in the world to establish educational programs, the Moscow Zoo opened as ‘a living museum outdoors’ in the 1860s. The zoo relies on housing animals in habitats resembling their natural environments, keeping them comfortable and giving them plenty of room. Popular birds of prey, savannah species, big cats, apes, and many more species are found in this zoo. The Moscow Zoo highly encourages scientific research efforts, continuing conservation worldwide.

Amazingly, many Russian zoos work closely with conservation groups, maintaining educational programs for locals and visitors, crucial in preserving and protecting native and exotic species of the expansive, diverse country.

Russian Animals

Adelie Penguin

Eats up to 2kg of food per day!

Alabai

The Alabai’s genes indicate that this breed has been around for more than 5,000 years.

Alaskan Pollock

It's one of the most commonly eaten fish in the world

Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard may be the rarest big cat on Earth!

Angora Goat

Each adult Angora goat produces about 12 inches of mohair annually while kids have about 8 inches.

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Antelope

Renew their horns every year!

Arctic Fox

Extremely thick winter fur!

Asiatic Black Bear

Known to eat 160 different tree-borne fruits in Thailand!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Beauty rat snake

Beauty Rat Snakes are relatively harmless if left undisturbed, only attempting to bite out of fear.

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

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Russian Terrier

Confident, calm and highly intelligent!

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Box Tree Moth
Brown Bear

A dominant predator in it's environment!

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 20,000 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.

Caribou

Males and females grow antlers

Carpenter Ant

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

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Chinese Geese

They are excellent “guard geese”

Chipmunk

There are 25 different species!

Cinereous Vulture

This vulture can fly at great heights. At least one was found a few thousand feet from the top of Mount Everest.

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

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 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 Raven

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

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 million 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.

Crucian Carp

Can survive drought by burying itself in mud.

Cuckoo
Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

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!

Eel

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

Elk

Adult males can jump eight feet vertically

Ermine

A very bold and ferocious predator!

Eurasian Lynx

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

Eurasian Nuthatch

Its song has been compared to a toy horn.

Eurasian Wolf

Coloring depends on location.

European Bee-Eater

They can eat up to 250 bees per day!

European Robin

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

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Widow Spider

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

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

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

There are 12 different species in the world!

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

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

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glow Worm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grass Carp

The grass carp is considered to be a natural weed control agent.

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Green Bee-Eater

Mainly eats honeybees!

Grey Heron

Male grey herons are picky about their mates. They'll reject a female that they don't fancy.

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 40 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!

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.

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

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

Horseshoe Crab

Changed little in over 500 million years!

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.

Husky

To communicate, Siberian Huskies rarely bark but instead create their own music and howl.

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jackdaw

The jackdaw tends to mate for life with a single partner

Japanese rat snake

The albino Japanese rat snake is a symbol of good luck.

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Lynx

Live in dens in rocks and under ledges!

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.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Moose

Renews it's enormous antlers every year!

Moscow Watchdog

This Molosser-type dog is the Russian cousin of St. Bernard.

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!

Muskox

Muskox have several physical characteristics that allow them to survive in the Arctic climate.

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!

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.

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.

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Peacock Butterfly

The eyespots on this butterfly’s wings deter predators from attacking.

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

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.

Pike Fish

Apex freshwater predators with fearsome teeth!

Pine Marten

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

Polar Bear

Could be extinct within the next 30 years!

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Psittacosaurus

These parrot-headed dinosaurs had beaks and feather-like quills on their tails!

Puffin

Can remain in the water for up to 2 minutes!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Queen snake

Queen snakes have armor-like scales on the top of their head

Rabbit

There are more than 50 different species!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Reindeer

Also known as the Caribou

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!

Russian Bear Dog

The bite of a Russian Bear Dog is stronger than a lion’s bite.

Russian Blue

First brought to the UK in the 1800s!

Sable

Their fur has been considered a luxury item since the Middle Ages

Sable Ferret

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

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!

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!

Siberian

An exceptionally agile jumper!

Siberian Ibex

There’s a population of Siberian ibex in New Mexico

Siberian Tiger

Also known as the Amur tiger!

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 3,000 known species worldwide

Snow Leopard

Unlike other big cats, snow leopards don’t roar.

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

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!

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!

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

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

The largest feline in the world!

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!

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.

Ural owl

The Ural owl can rotate its head up to 270 degrees

Vinegaroon

Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

White-Tailed Eagle

It is one of the biggest birds of prey.

White Tiger

None have been seen in the wild for 50 years!

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.

Wolverine

Releases a strong smelling musk in defence!

Wood Bison

The reintroduction of wood bison into Alaska is considered one of the world’s best conservation success stories.

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.

Yak

There are only a few left in the wild!

Yakutian Laika

The Yakute people were likely the first to use dogs to pull sleds, so the Yakutian Laika was probably among the first sled dogs.

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

Sea snakes spend approximately 90% of their lives under water.

Zebra Mussels

A female zebra mussel can deposit 30,000 to 1,000,000 eggs each year!

Russian Animals List

Russia FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What animals are common in Russia?

There are many common animals in Russia. The most common type of animal is dogs. Russians have registered about 70,000 German spitzes, 45,000 Yorkshire terriers, 41,000 Chihuahuas, and 24,000 German shepherds. There are also many types of wildlife in Russia.

What is the rarest animal in Russia?

There are many rare animals in Russia. One of the rarest animals in Russia is the Amur leopard. There may be less than 80 of these rare animals left in the wild. Worldwide, it is the most endangered member of the leopard family. These rare animals can reach speeds up to 27 miles per hour, and they can jump straight up more than 16 feet. This leopard is also called the Far East leopard, the Manchurian leopard or the Korean leopard.

What is the most dangerous animal in Russia?

The most dangerous animal in Russia is the tick. They can make people sick before a person even knows that they have been bit. These blood-sucking animals carry Lyme and encephalitis. One of the reasons they are so dangerous is that they live in the same areas as people while most dangerous animals in Russia live in remote locations.

What is the biggest animal in Russia?

Polar bears are one of the biggest animals in Russia. It is the largest extant bear species and the largest carnivore on earth. Adult male polar bears weigh 1,763 pounds on average. They can stand over 13 feet tall when they are standing on their back legs. Despite being one of the biggest animals in Russia, they can run at speeds up to 31 miles per hour. A polar bear has swum 372 miles when there was no ice.