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Europe

Below you can find a complete list of European animals. We currently track 525 animals in Europe and are adding more every day!

Europe is a continent in the northeastern hemisphere. As the second smallest continent in the world, it covers 6.8% of the Earth’s land area and 2% of the surface, with a higher coast-to-landmass ratio than any other. Geographically, it varies within a small area. The south is mountainous, while the north encompasses hilly uplands. Northeast holds a prominent landmark known as the Great European Plain.

The north-western seaboard also has uplands, while mainland central Europe has river valleys, basins, and plateaus. The climate is temperate, or warm and wet, as influenced by the Gulf Stream. It is colder in the north than in the south, and colder from the west going eastward. Within these environments exist wildlife that is common in Europe, with species that are unique to the continent and sometimes the world.

Europe is a continent composed of several different countries, each with its own language and culture, so there is no singular national animal. Instead, individual countries have chosen their own national animals. For example, the lion, the official national animal of the Netherlands, Norway, and England, represents bravery and courage.

While there is no specific national animal for Europe, itself, there are several species considered as “The Big 5,” seemingly the most impressive animals on the continent. The big 5 animals are the European Bison, the lynx, the wolverine, the brown bear, and the wolf.

Native European Animals

While many animals have been introduced into Europe from other parts of the world, several species are native to the continent. European bison, Euroasian lynx, polar bears and other bears, moose, and wolves are all mammal species native to Europe. The Capercaillie, European Bee-eater, and the Golden Eagle are all bird species originally found on the continent, as well. Wildlife in Europe, like the rest of the world, is facing threats of endangerment from human encroachment and poaching. Protective measures continue to be implemented in order to preserve these nails and their natural environments.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals

  • Kainuu Forest, Finland: Red-flanked bluetails, Ural owls, woodpeckers, black grouse, golden eagles, elks, lynxes, wolverines, wolves, bears, and flying squirrels.
  • Białowieża Forest, Poland: Lynxes, wolves, elks and 56 other mammal species, 250 bird species including white-tailed eagles and rare woodpecker species, and about 900 of the famous European bison.
  • Pindus Mountains, Greece: 11 wildlife sanctuaries for spoonbills, egrets, herons, brown bears, red deer, otters, jackals, and wolves.
  • Southern Carpathian Mountains, Romania: Bears, lynxes, wolves, wild boars, red deer, roe deer, chamois, and wild cats.
  • Côa Valley, Portugal: Eagles, vultures, red-rumped swallows, alpine swifts, eagle owls, and black storks. Within is the Reserva da Faia Brava, an independent nature reserve which includes animals such as red deer, ibex, Iberian wolves, Maronesa cattle and wild Garrano horses.
  • Highlands and Inner Hebrides, Scotland: Golden eagles, red deer and mountain hares. At the Isle of Rum are sea eagles, otters, seals, ponies, wild goats, ponies, and red deer.
  • Svalbard, Norway: In the pine forests are lynxes, elks, wolves and brown bears, while the northern fjords have orcas.
  • Norfolk, England: Sea birds and grey and common seals.
  • Spain: The National Park of Sierra de Andujar at Malaga has the unique and rare Iberian Lynx. Lizards, dromedaries and goats are on the Canary Islands, and Tenerife has whales, dolphins, octopuses, rays, jellyfish, turtles, and coral.
  • France: The Camargue in Marseilles has beavers, bulls, boars, horses, and flamingos. The Pyrenees has chamois, otters, foxes, birds, deer, and bears. And the Alps and Vosges are home to Eurasian lynxes, wolves, and ibexes.

Native Birds

Comprised of several different countries, Europe is home to some of the greatest birdwatching sites in the world. Sweden is known for the Falsterbo Bird Observatory, a main location for multitudes of migrating birds, such as the Blue Tit and Beared Reedling, flocking through the funnel made by the Baltic Sea and Oresund Sound.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit France’s Ornithological Park Pont de Gau in Camargue, as flamingoes are gathering for breeding season.

Spain is also a delightful destination for those looking for migrations of birds, as its Doñana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for the hundreds of herons that choose to nest here. Other species of bird, such as the Bee-eater and flamingo, roam the marshes bordering the forested areas.

One of the most unique and adorable birds, the Atlantic Puffin, resides along the coasts of Skomer Island in Wales, burrowing into the shore.

In sum, here is a list of the most popular birds to see in Europe:

The Most Dangerous Animals In Europe Today

The European Bison is more dangerous than any bear, with bison mothers being prone to charging at anyone. Other dangerous mammals that are also some of the biggest animals are the Brown Bear, Wolverine, Eurasian Wolf, Wild Boar, and Polar Bear. All are predators except for the European Bison and the Wild Boar. The Great White Shark is another very dangerous animal.

The Common or European Adder, a common poisonous snake throughout Europe, is a small viper that lives in many different habitats. The Asp Viper is another venomous, dangerous snake.

Some other dangerous animals are less obvious. The Castor Bean Tick transmits Lyme disease, Q fever, and tick-borne encephalitis, while the Portuguese Man O’War causes extreme pain, fever, shock, and respiratory issues which can lead to drowning. A relative of other black widow spiders, the Mediterranean Black Widow Spider is the most venomous spider in the continent. A pinprick-like bite results in severe pain and symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, rapid heart rate, and breathing difficulty.

Native Fish

Europe is surrounded on three sides by water: the Atlantic Ocean, the Artic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. Within these waters are multitudes of marine species, ranging from porpoises to fish to bivalves. As for fishing, some of the most unique and beautiful places to fish, most commonly caught fish being:

Iceland is home to some of the best-managed fisheries in the world, having relied on them as a food source forever. Iceland’s rivers hold wild salmon, a popular and healthy fish to eat. Outside of the town of Reykjavik is Lake Thingvallavatn, best known for its monster-sized Brown Trout, weighing in at about 30lb. Halibut, Cod, Pollock, and Artic Char are also swimming the waters of this lake.

Leading way to the Mediterranean Sea lies Gibraltar, a favoured spot for sport fishing for large, predatory fish, such as Sharks, Bluefin Tuna, and Marlin. Popular fish used in delicious local culinary dishes also include Snapper, Seabream, Dentex, and John Dory. The narrow straight makes it easy to find catches and to have an all around good time.

Countless other popular fishing spots include the Canary Islands, Slovenia, parts of Ireland, Sardinia, and beautiful Greece. Europe is so expansive with such diversity that it is not short of interesting new places to search for the perfect fishing spot.

Europe is also home to a number of rivers. European rivers include the Volga, Danube, Ural, and Rhine Rivers. Near just the Ural River alone there are 47 species of fish, 48 mammals, and a number of reptiles and migratory birds.

Native Snakes

Vast and full of exciting sites to see, Europe is also home to some not-so-friendly animals, like venomous snakes. There are plenty of nonvenomous snakes existing throughout Europe’s many countries, such as the Sand Boa (Eastern Europe), the Smooth Snake (Northern and Central Europe), the Caspian Whip Snake (Eastern Europe), and the Leopard or Rat Snake (endemic to Europe).

However, several venomous species reside on the continent and should be looked out for. Some venomous snakes can cause more harm than others, like paralysis. A few venomous snakes with this ability found in Europe are:

  • Vipers
  • Long-nosed Vipers
  • European Adders
  • European Asp

Some less harmful but still dangerous snakes include the Central Asian Pit Viper and the Halys Pit Viper. European Adders are common to the continent and mainly widespread while European Asps are mostly located in Southern Europe.

Snake bites are not always lethal but, in the event of a snake bite, always seek care from a medical professional in case of an unknown allergy or an unknown species.

Endangered European Animals

Many of the biggest mammals, including apex predators, are now extinct due to over-hunting or encroachment. For this reason, bears (especially brown bears) and wolves areconsidered endangered in Europe. The Saiga is an antelope that is also an endangered animal along with the European Lynx and the Wolverine.

Extinct Animals in Europe

Three main species of extinct wildlife in Europe are the wooly mammoth, dwarf hippo, and dwarf elephant – large mammals that were hunted to extinction in prehistoric times.

Unique Animals in Europe

Some of the most common yet unique wild animals in Europe are weasel-like animals, like the European Mink, Marbled Polecat, and the European Pine or Sweet Marten. But they aren’t the only weirdest animals. Related to them is the Wolverine, which is one of the weirdest animals because it is elusive. The European bison was considered endangered but populations are increasing, similarly to the Chamois goat-antelope. The Raccoon Dog is related to the fox but looks like a raccoon. A mix between several European bat species is the Alpine Long-Eared Bat. The Puffin is a sea bird with a large, brightly colored beak.

Zoos in Europe

Europe holds around 2,000 zoos throughout the continent. Here is a list of some of the best-rates zoos:

  • Basel Zoo (Switzerland) – Open since 1874, “Zolli” is the country’s most popular attraction. It is known for breeding endangered species such as cheetahs, Indian rhinos, and okapi.
  • Edinburgh Zoo (Scotland) – Renowned as the first zoo in the world to house and breed penguins, as well as the first to home pandas and koalas. Open since 1913, Edinburgh Zoo exhibits almost 1,000 animals, with a chimpanzee exhibit even endorsed by Jane Goodall.
  • Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Austria) – The oldest zoo, open since 1792, is one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. Working toward conservation and education, this zoo was the first to have an elephant infant born in captivity, as well as the first natural panda inseminated-birth in Europe. Tiergarten Schönbrunn is located on a royal historical sites, the Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria’s most admired attractions.

Within every European country lies one or more zoos, housing hundreds to thousands of native and exotic animals. Many of these zoos serve as conservational or rehabilitation sites, helping to preserve endangered species populations and help to reintroduce them into the wild.

European Countries Animals Lists

Click any of the countries below to see a detailed list of animals located in that country!

European Animals

Aesculapian snake
Affenpinscher

First bred in 17th century Germany!

Airedale Terrier

Very intelligent, independent and strong-minded!

Akbash

Often used as a guard dog!

Allosaurus

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

Alpine Dachsbracke

Good companion and hard-working breed!

Alpine Goat

Alpine goats are the most common type of goat used for milk, cheese, and other dairy products

American Cockroach

Despite its name, actually originated from Africa and the Middle East

American Eskimo Dog

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

American Robin

The color “Robin egg blue” is named after the hue of their eggs.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Guards it's master's flocks!

Angelshark

The angelshark’s range has contracted by more than 80% in the past century.

Angora Ferret

Was created as an accident.

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!

Appenzeller Dog

Herding dog by nature!

Apple Moth

In Australia the LBAM causes $21.1 million annually in lost production and control costs

Archaeopteryx
Arctic Char

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

Arctic Fox

Extremely thick winter fur!

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 favored criminals in Greco-Roman times.

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Badger

Can reach speeds of 30 km/h!

Balkan Lynx

The Balkan lynx communicates mostly with its ears

Barbet

This dog has the nickname ‘Mud dog’ because it likes to play in muddy, swamp-like areas.

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

A friendly and intelligent hunting dog that loves nothing more than to spend time with its owner.

Basset Hound

Forget the training when not rewarded!

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bavarian Mountain Hound

Calm, quiet and poised!

Beagle

Have become popular family pets!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Bearded Collie

Weekly brushing is mandatory!

Bearded Vulture

These birds eat a diet of bones

Beauceron

The Beauceron is named after the place of its origin (Beauce) in France

Beaver

Builds a dam from sticks and leaves!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bedlington Terrier

Highly active and intelligent dogs!

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Belgian Shepherd

The sheepdog is also known as the Groenendael. All four Belgian varieties have nicknames for Belgian villages.

Belgian Tervuren

The first breed to win an AKC Herding Championship.

Bergamasco

Bergamascos are excellent problem solvers; they were bred to be independent as they work alongside their nomadic shepherd owners.

Berger Picard

Berger means shepherd in French

Bernese Mountain Dog

Very loyal, faithful and affectionate!

Bichon Frise

Gentle mannered, playful and affectionate!

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black and White Warbler
Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blackpoll Warbler

They migrate for the longest distance of any warbler.

Bloodhound

Affectionate, gentle and even-tempered!

Blue Picardy Spaniel

The Blue Picardy is also known as the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie in French

Blue Tit

The blue tit can hang upside down from branches

Bolognese Dog

From the northern Italian city of Bologna!

Border Collie

Highly intelligent and alert breed!

Border Terrier

Small, rough-coated breed of terrier!

Bouvier Des Flandres

The name Bouvier des Flandres means cowherd of Flanders in French

Box Tree Moth
Boxer Dog

Bright, energetic and playful!

British Timber
Brittany

The breed was formerly known as the Brittany spaniel

Brown-banded Cockroach

Females glue egg cases to furniture

Brown Bear

A dominant predator in it's environment!

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon prefers to live with another dog so they have a companion to play with.

Bull and Terrier

Bull and Terriers were explicitly bred for bull-baiting, a savage blood sport where certain dog breeds would attack an angered bull tied to a pole.

Bull Terrier

Needs to be kept active!

Bulldog

Friendly, loving and docile!

Bullmastiff

Courageous, loyal and calm!

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Cabbage Moth

Cabbage moths are named after the vegetable they find the tastiest.

Cairn Terrier

Intelligent, lively and strong!

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.

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos nearly became extinct in the mid 1900’s, but the breed was revived by a group of Italians. Even so, they still didn’t become known in many other parts of the world until after 1988.

Caribou

Males and females grow antlers

Carpenter Ant

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

Cashmere Goat

Cashmere goat are named after Kashmir regions of India and Pakistan

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Cat Snake

Some cat snakes have a prehensile tail that helps them climb into trees.

Catalan Sheepdog

This breed is called the Gos d’Atura Catala in native Catalan and Pastor Catalan in Spanish, both of which roughly translate to mean Catalan Sheepdog

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Cava Tzu

Females are more territorial than males, but you can train this behavior out of them.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Highly playful and affectionate!

Cave Bear

Cave bears may have been worshiped by primitive humans.

Cave Lion

Unlike modern lions, cave lions didn't have a significant mane.

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Ceratosaurus
Cesky Fousek

An affectionate hunting dog!

Cesky Terrier

This breed is also known as the Bohemian Terrier (Bohemia was an historical Medieval kingdom and a region of the modern Czech Republic)

Chamois

Natively found in the European mountains!

Chartreux
Chestnut-Sided Warbler

They inhabit regrowing forests

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cicada

Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans

Cinereous Vulture

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

Clothes Moth

Clothes Moths can remain in the larvae stage for up to 2 years, but adults only live 10 days.

Clumber Spaniel

Has a thick, soft coat!

Cockalier

The Cockalier has very strong hunting ancestry.

Cocker Spaniel
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.

Collie

Gentle and devoted!

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common Carp
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!

Compsognathus
Corn Rex Cat (Cornish Rex)
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
Curly Coated Retriever

A lively and fun-loving breed!

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

This breed is also known as the Czechoslovakian Vlcak (the name for the German Shepherd).

Dachshund

Fun and playful breed of small dog!

Dalmatian

Have an energetic and playful nature!

Dapple Dachshund

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

Deathwatch Beetle

The adult deathwatch beetle taps on the wood to find a mate.

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Desert Locust

Solitary locusts are grey while gregarious locusts are yellow with stripes.

Deutsche Bracke

Has long drop ears and a long narrow tail!

Devils Coach Horse Beetle

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

Devon Rex
Diamondback Moth

Adult males make high amplitude boing noise to attract females

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

Dogue De Bordeaux

Extremely loyal and devoted to it's master!

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!

Drever

Uncommon outside of Europe!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dunker

A friendly and relaxed dog!

Dunnock

Both male and female dunnocks can have multiple mates every breeding season

Dusky Shark

The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.

Dwarf Hamster

dwarf hamsters love to explore at night.

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!

Elasmotherium

Elasmotherium might have had a monstrous horn, giving it the name "The Siberian Unicorn."

English Bulldog

Bulldogs were originally bred to “pin” bulls.

English Cocker Spaniel

Intelligent yet stubborn by nature!

English Cream Golden Retriever

Although their coats can get incredibly light in color, golden retrievers never have purely white coats.

English Foxhound

English Foxhounds were bred to work and live in a pack. Because of this, this breed is happiest when they are around other dogs.

English Pointer
English Setter

English Setters were first bred between 400 and 500 years ago.

English Springer Spaniel

Friendly and eager to please!

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Native to parts of the Swiss Alps!

Epagneul Pont Audemer

Hard-working, gentle and affectionate!

Ermine

A very bold and ferocious predator!

Estrela Mountain Dog

Very protective and stubborn!

Eurasian Beaver

Eats 20% of its weight daily!

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

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 Corn Borer

Female can lay up to 600 eggs in her 14-day lifespan

European Polecat

Its fur changes color in the winter!

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

Fer-de-lance Snake

The Most Dangerous Snake in the Americas

Ferret

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Field Spaniel

A sociable and adaptable breed!

Finnish Spitz

Likes to bark a lot!

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

Flamingo

Sleeps on just one leg!

Flat-Coated Retriever

A game retrieving gun-dog!

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!

Fox Terrier

First bred in the mid-19th century!

French Bulldog

French bulldogs are known to be very sensitive, harboring emotions that they love to express

Freshwater Jellyfish

The freshwater jellyfish is native to China but is now found all over the world

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

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

Galapagos Shark

Galapagos sharks are cannibalistic and sometimes eat their young, so the pups stay away from the adults in shallow water.

Genet

The Genet has retractable claws like a cat

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

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!

Glen Of Imaal Terrier

This dog is also named the Wicklow Terrier after the county of its origin.

Glow Worm

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 Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Golden Retriever

Trusting, kind and gentle!

Gomphotherium
Goose

There are 29 different species!

Gordon Setter

It's the largest and heaviest breed of setter.

Grass Snake

Use acute hearing to hunt

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Great Dane

Large and imposing in appearance!

Great Egret

The male egret performs an elaborate courtship display to attract a mate

Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Protective and gentle by nature!

Grebe

They swim like frogs

Grey Heron

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

Greyhound

Extremely fast and athletic!

Griffon Vulture

Can spot a dead animal from thousands of feet away

Groenendael

Although developed as a herding dog, the breed makes an excellent guard and working dog and is used by police forces and the military.

Grouse

Feathered legs and toes!

Hamburg Chicken

This breed doesn't usually make nests or incubate their own chicks.

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 40 mph!

Harrier

Cheerful, tolerant and sweet-tempered!

Hawk

While the Ferruginous hawk is the largest specie in the USA, Asia’s Upland buzzard is the biggest overall.

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!

Hobo Spider

The Hobo Spider travels city to city like an actual Hobo and is often found near railroad tracks!

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.

Hooded Seal

Hooded seal pups are called bluebacks because the color of the fur on their back is blue-gray. This pretty color made people want to make fur coats out of them and made them a target for hunters.

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.

House Sparrow

The house sparrow has been introduced all over the world

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
Huntsman Spider

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

Hyena

There are four different species!

Ibex

Can jump over 6 feet straight up from a standstill

Ibizan Hound

Intelligent, active and engaging by nature!

Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only dog breed entirely native to Iceland.

Ichthyosaurus

Gave birth to live young instead of laying eggs like other reptiles

Iguanodon
Insect

Insects go back over 350 million years, making the creatures older than man, flowering plants and dinosaurs.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Irish Setter

Can live for up to 16 years!

Irish Terrier

An average 300 Irish Terrier puppies are born each year in the United States.

Irish Water Spaniel

The only known canine with a purple hue.

Irish WolfHound

Sweet-tempered, patient and thoughtful!

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a miniature dog with a big motor and personality!

Jack Russell

Intelligent, athletic and fearless!

Jackal

Can maintain speeds of 16 km/h!

Jackdaw

The jackdaw tends to mate for life with a single partner

Japanese Beetle

Can clear an entire fruit tree in 15 minutes in a swarm

John Dory

The John Dory is often labeled one of the ugliest fish in the world and has no known relatives.

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Kangal

Can run up to 35 miles per hour (56km).

Keeshond

Friendly, alert dogs that are loyal to their owners

Kerry Blue Terrier

They are born black, and turn gray-blue as they age.

Kestrel

Can hang suspended on wind currents

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Kitefin Shark
Kooikerhondje

If Kooikerhondjes look familiar, it’s because old Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Jan Steen liked to paint them.

Kuvasz

Ownership of this dog was once restricted to the Hungarian nobility

Labmaraner

Loves to participate in activities.

Labrador Retriever

Well-balanced, friendly and versatile!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Lakeland Terrier

These dogs were once used by farmers to keep foxes away from herds of sheep.

Lancashire Heeler

The name “heeler” comes from the fact that it nips at the heels of cattle to herd them.

Lapponian Herder

This breed is also known as the Lapp Reindeer Dog and the Lapsk Vallhund.

Larder Beetle

Larder beetles were named based on their attraction to food storage rooms or cupboards, but they do not feed on stored food products. 

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.

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.

Lynx

Live in dens in rocks and under ledges!

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Mallard

With an appropriate tail wind, the mallard can travel hundreds of miles a day

Maltese

Originally bred in Europe!

Manchester Terrier

Fences are no match for Manchester terriers. They’re great escape artists!

Marmot

A marmot spends 80% of its life below ground

Marsh Frog

Has bright green skin!

Mastiff

Courageous, calm and affectionate!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Miniature Bull Terrier

This dog has a very happy-go-lucky temperament.

Miniature Pinscher

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

Mink

The mink can swim up to 100 feet underwater.

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.

Monarch Butterfly

During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Moose

Renews it's enormous antlers every year!

Mosasaurus

The Mosasaurus was much longer than the fearsome Tyrannosaur rex.

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mudi

Mudi dogs have a reputation for being able to control a herd of 500 sheep.

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Muntjac

The muntjac is the smallest type of deer in the world

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!

Neapolitan Mastiff

Fearless and extremely protective of it's home!

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Night Heron

When they feel threatened juvenile night herons vomit their stomach contents.

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Norfolk Terrier

Fearless but not aggressive!

Northern Inuit Dog
Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund once worked on Norse homesteads

Norwegian Elkhound

This breed traveled with the Vikings!

Norwegian Forest

Has a long, thick double coat of fur!

Norwegian Lundehund

This breed is also called the Norsk Lundehund and the Norwegian Puffin Dog

Nose-horned viper

The fangs of a nose-horned viper can be as long as half an inch

Old English Sheepdog

Intelligent, sociable and playful!

Oleander Hawk Moth

Oleander hawk moth caterpillars feed on the foliage of oleander, an extremely toxic plant to which they are immune.

Olm

Inhabits dark underwater caves

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Oriental Cockroach

Unlike other cockroach species that live indoors living off humans, oriental cockroaches are outdoor scavengers. 

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!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Otterhound

Otterhounds have webbed feet making them great swimmers!

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Papillon

Originally called the Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is one of the oldest breeds in the toy group. They can be found in artwork dating back to the 16th century.

Parakeet

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

Parson Russell Terrier

The root stock of the breed was a dog named Trump

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.

Partridge

Long-lost civilizations have immortalized male partridges in art, depicting them as a symbol of fertility.

Patterdale Terrier

A Patterdale Terrier’s small body structure allows it to squeeze into fox burrows.

Peacock Butterfly

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

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II

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

Perro De Presa Canario

The breed has feet like a cat, with rounded toes that are not too close together. His unique feet give him a distinctive, long, elastic stride.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

A small dog with a big, lively personality.

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.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pike Fish

Apex freshwater predators with fearsome teeth!

Pine Marten

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

Pit Bull

It is a myth that pit bulls have locking jaws.

Pocket Beagle

Queen Elizabeth I of England once owned several Pocket Beagles

Pocket Pitbull

The smaller size of the Pocket Pitbull made it better suited for fleeing game as compared to larger Foxhounds.

Pointer

An independent, loyal and high energy breed!

Polar Bear

Could be extinct within the next 30 years!

Polecat

They can run at a speed of 15mph

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Despite having shaggy hair that covers its eyes, this dog is known for its watchful gaze when guarding a herd.

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Poodle

Intelligent, alert and active!

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Porpoise

Surprisingly, not a dolphin!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

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!

Puffin

Can remain in the water for up to 2 minutes!

Pugapoo

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

Pumi

Pumik developed their loud bark to communicate with shepherds at long distances.

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 50 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-Eared Slider

Sliders spend lots of time basking in the sun. As cold-blooded animals, they need the sun to heat up.

Red Fox

The red fox actually has many different variations of fur, including silver and brown.

Red Kite

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

Redback Spider

The redback spiders found in New Caledonia differ from other populations in that they don’t practice sexual cannibalism and don’t bite people as much.

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!

Rottweiler

Strong, loyal and self-assured!

Ruddy Turnstone

They flip over stones to find prey

Russell Terrier

The Russell Terrier was bred to be a good fox hunter with a keen sense of smell

Saanen Goat

The saanen goat is the most popular milk breed.

Saarloos Wolfdog
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.

Saint Bernard

Gentle, loyal and friendly!

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Saluki

The Saluki is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sand Lizard

Males turn green in spring!

Scarab Beetle

The ancient Egyptians worshipped scarabs.

Schipperke

Schipperkes were used to hunt and kill rodents on Belgian ships.

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Scottish Terrier

This breed is nicknamed the “Diehard” because of its iron will and steely determination.

Sea Eagle

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

Sea Roach

They breathe through gills but live on land

Seagull

Some gulls are capable of using tools

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sealyham Terrier

Very endangered breed that is scion of several breeds that include one that is already extinct

Sedge Warbler

Males never sing the same song twice

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!

Skink Lizard

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

Skua

Skuas will chase other birds until they give up their catch

Skye Terrier

Skye terriers are the oldest terrier breed, dating back at least 400 years.

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

Smooth Fox Terrier

These dogs are known for their fast digging abilities.

Smooth Snake
Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 3,000 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!

Spanish Goat

They have long, horizontal ears.

Spanish Mastiff

Diego Velázquez’s famous 17th century painting of the Infanta and her dwarves includes a portrait of a Spanish Mastiff.

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Sparrowhawk

The sparrowhawk is named after the fact that it hunts down and consumes sparrows

Spider
Spider Wasp

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

Spinone Italiano

They're one of the oldest hunting breeds on Earth.

Spinosaurus

The Spinosaurus is the biggest carnivorous dinosaur ever discovered!

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stabyhoun

It is a versatile, all-around working breed and pet.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Known for their loyalty to their family!

Stag Beetle

The stag beetle consumes rotting and decaying wood when it is in the larva stage.

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.

Striped Hyena

The striped hyenas usually mark their territories with the help of the scent gland secretions from their anal pouch.

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Swedish Vallhund
Syrian Hamster

Can get used to and respond to human voice

Tamaskan
Tawny Owl

The most widespread owl in Europe!

Teddy Bear Hamster

The oldest recorded teddy bear hamster was six and a half.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Terrier

Terriers were once the greatest dogs in the world.

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.

Transylvanian Hound

The Transylvanian Hound is also known as the Erdelyi Kopo in Hungarian

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Treecreeper

Their tailfeathers help them maintain their balance on a tree trunk

Trout

They don’t have scales for their first month of life!

Turkish Angora

A breed that originated in central Turkey!

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

Utonagan
Viper

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

Vizsla

Vizsla means searcher or tracker in Hungarian

Volpino Italiano

Almost went extinct before American Eskimo Dog breeders showed interest.

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.

Wels Catfish

The wels catfish is among the largest freshwater fish in the world.

Welsh Corgi

There are two distinct breeds!

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier has the strength and tenacity to take on foxes and badgers.

West Highland Terrier

Most commonly white in colour!

Wheaten Terrier

Originally bred as a farm dog, the Wheaten Terrier can be very protective of its domain.

Whimbrel

The fastidious whimbrel sometimes washes off its prey before it eats it.


Whinchat

The whinchat can imitate the songs of at least a dozen other tpes of birds!

Whippet

Quiet, gentle and restful dogs!

White Butterfly

This butterfly determines the smell and taste of a flower with its feet.

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

White-Tailed Eagle

It is one of the biggest birds of prey.

Whiting

"Whiting" can refer to certain other species of ray-finned fish

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Willow Warbler

This bird molts twice a year.

Winter Moth

Only the males fly and the females walk.

Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier was bred from the now extinct Rough Coated Black and Tan Terrier to hunt down foxes.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s coat makes it look like it has a mustache and beard!

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!

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 Mammoth

Tusks grew to 16ft long!

Woolly Rhinoceros

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

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Yorkshire Terrier

Highly energetic and eager for adventure!

Zebra Mussels

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

European Animals List

Europe FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Which animals are found in Europe?

Foxes (especially red foxes), jackals, martens, hedgehogs, snakes and other reptiles, amphibians, insects, and various birds, including birds of prey. There are many herbivores including snails, rodents, deer, boars and other mammals. Many sea creatures exist as well, including fish, whales, dolphins, molluscs, crustaceans, squids, and octopuses.

What are the Big 5 animals in Europe?

The European Bison, the lynx, the wolverine, the brown bear, and the wolf.

What is the weirdest animal in Europe?

European wildlife has some of the weirdest animals around. The Chamois and the Wolverine are just a couple of examples.

Why does Europe have no dangerous animals?

Many of the biggest mammals, which are dangerous top predators, were hunted until they went extinct, while others are currently endangered. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any dangerous animals.