Bosnia and Herzegovina is a small Balkan country located in southeastern Europe that gained its independence in 1992 following the breakup of Yugoslavia. Except for a small 12-mile coast along the Adriatic Sea, it is completely hemmed in by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Geographically, most of the terrain in Bosnia and Herzegovina is dominated by vast mountain ranges, including the Dinaric Alps, the Vlasic, the Grmec, and the Cincar. More than half the country is covered by pine, beech, and oak forests, which provide a home to some of the most unique and diverse wildlife in all of Europe.
The Official National (State) Animal of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have an official national animal.
Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has set aside three national parks to protect its wildlife and natural beauty. Many of these parks contain walking and hiking trails that wind their way through the mountains and forests.
- The Una National Park, located near the Unac River on the western border with Croatia, is Bosnia’s largest national park. Protecting some 76 square miles of forests, rapids, and brilliant waterfalls, the park is home to a wide diversity of freshwater fish and birds, as well as the more elusive lynx, wolf, chamois, fox, and bear.
- The Kozara National Park is situated at the convergence of the Una, Sava, Vrbas, and Sana rivers in northern Bosnia. Amid the rolling forested slopes of the Kozara mountains, visitors can find ducks, hares, boars, deer, foxes, and pheasants. The nearby area is a popular hunting ground as well.
- The Sutjeska National Park, located along the eastern border with Montenegro, encompasses nearly 67 square miles of forests, waterfalls, and glacial lakes near the Maglic mountain, which, at nearly 8,000 feet, is the country’s highest point.
- The Perucica Forest Reserve, located within the park, is a UNESCO recognized site and one of the few remaining primeval forests left in Europe. Most of the trees date back some 300 years, and the oldest has grown untouched for thousands of years. Bears, foxes, goats, boars, wolves, martens, and wild cats are among some of the mammals found here. There are also more than a hundred species of birds, including the peregrine falcon, blackbird, and rock partridge.
The Most Dangerous Animals in Bosnia and Herzegovina Today
Bosnia is home to three venomous species of snakes and a few large and intimidating carnivores. Anyone who ventures out to the remote areas of the country should look out for the following species:
- Nose-horned Viper – Easily identified by the grayish-brown color, a dark zigzag pattern around the back, and the unique horn emerging from the snout, the horned viper is perhaps the most dangerous snake in all of Europe, due mostly to the long fangs and the highly toxic venom, which can sometimes result in death. This snake is fairly common to dry, rocky hillsides throughout most of the Balkans.
- Meadow Viper – Usually found in mountainous or hilly meadows, this species has weaker venom and less aggressive behavior than the nose-horned viper, but it can still cause pain, swelling, and even nausea. If bitten, victims should seek medical attention.
- Common European Adder – This is one of the most common venomous snakes in all of Europe. Consequently, it’s responsible for more bites than almost any other species. For a healthy adult, there isn’t too much of a risk of its venom besides some pain, swelling, and nausea, as deaths are very rare, but bite victims should always seek medical attention.
- Brown Bear – Bear attacks are exceptionally rare, even when they’re encountered on foot. Nevertheless, they may become overly aggressive if they feel provoked or threatened in some way. If they’re spotted out in the wild, it is best to stay calm and keep your distance.
- Gray Wolf – The wolf is not as dangerous as its fearsome reputation suggests. Attacks are probably no more common than the brown bear. But they have been known to occasionally kill a person for food.
Endangered Animals in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Because so much of the country is still covered in forests and mountains, Bosnia has avoided the same loss of wildlife as experienced by other European countries. But habitat loss or overhunting have still put several species in danger.
- Eurasian Lynx – This big predatory cat still thrives in many parts of Central Asia, but human activity caused it to become completely extinct from Bosnia and most of Europe. Following its reintroduction into the Dinaric Alps in the late 20th century, it is once again seen throughout some parts of the Balkans.
- Balkan Snow Vole – Found in the mountains and hills of the Balkans, this unique and elusive rodent is the only living member of its genus. It is currently vulnerable to becoming extinct due to its limited range.
- Illyrian Spined Loach – First discovered in 2007, this freshwater fish is believed to be quite rare, and not much is known about it. The species is currently classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.
- Adriatic Salmon – This endangered fish is found naturally along four river systems that flow into the Adriatic Sea. Overfishing and damming have put it at risk of becoming extinct.