Wildlife of
Denmark

Denmark is a small Nordic country that emerged as an independent state in the Middle Ages. It borders Germany in the south while the rest of the country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Denmark’s northern part comprises a large peninsula called Jutland, which connects directly to the European mainland, and more than 400 smaller islands. The most populous Danish islands are Zealand (which contains the capital of Copenhagen) and Funen. Other territories include Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Once heavily forested, Denmark today is covered by flat, arable land and sandy coasts. Various types of animals reside throughout the country, from deer and foxes to snakes and geckos.

The Official National (State) Animal of Denmark

Denmark is represented by not a single native animal, but by many: a national mammal (the red squirrel), a national bird (the mute swan), and a national butterfly (the small tortoiseshell).

The red squirrel is native to Europe and Siberia and seems to be faring better in colder climates without as much competition from the recently introduced grey squirrel. The red coats and ear tufts of this squirrel blend with the bark of the pine trees that it favors. Red squirrels eat the seeds of trees, adeptly stripping pine cones to get to the seeds within, fungi, nuts, berries, vegetables, flowers, tree sap, and young tree shoots. Like other squirrels, it stores food in caches to be eaten later if food is scarce.

Mute swans are beautiful waterfowl with snowy white feathers and a long, elegant neck that they hold in an S. Renown for their beauty and their tendency to mate for life, these birds are the subjects of ballets and fairy tales and are often symbols of love. These birds are native to Denmark and are one of the heaviest flying birds – weighing up to 11.87 kg (26.2 lbs.). Mute swans nest on large mounds that they fashion from aquatic plants and often use the same nest year after year. They feed on insects, small fish, and frogs – but mostly they prefer aquatic plants and graze on grasses on the land.

The small tortoiseshell is native to Denmark and can be found throughout Europe and Asia, wherever common nettle, which their larvae feed on, is found. The species is now in decline in Western Europe – even though nettle is plentiful. It is believed that summer drought is responsible for this – since eggs are laid on drenched leaves. The small tortoiseshell’s wings offer great camouflage – making it hard for birds to see them among the leaves. The red-orange of their wings also serves as a warning to birds that they are unpalatable. They are among the fastest-flying butterflies.

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Denmark

Denmark is home to six national parks, one of which resides in Greenland, where you can experience some of the country’s best wildlife.

• The Thy National Park, located on the west of the main peninsula, Jutland, was formed from centuries of drifting sands and dunes. It is home to deer, toads, cranes, wood sandpipers, and rare breeding birds.
• The Mols Bjerge National Park, centered on the Mols Hills in eastern Jutland, features a rich suite of foxes, hares, deer, lizards, snakes, nesting birds, sea birds, wading birds, and birds of prey.
• The Wadden Sea National Park, which constitutes part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Wadden Sea, is a prime location for millions of migrating birds that pass through on their way to and from their winter grounds. It’s also home to a large number of fish and semi-aquatic mammals.
• The Kongernes Nordsjælland, also known as the Royal North Zealand National Park, is located to the north of Copenhagen on the island of Zealand. Amid the medieval ruins, castles, and royal palaces, two of which are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this park contains the forest of Gribskov and the lake of Esrum Sø. Visitors can experience deer, red foxes, badgers, woodpeckers, owls, eagles, and many other species of birds.
• The Skjoldungernes Land National Park to the immediate west of Copenhagen encompasses local fjords, forests, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Roskilde Cathedral. The forest contains plenty of deer and foxes, while the fjords attract all kinds of gulls, terns, swans, eiders, geese, and ducks.
• Finally, the Northeast Greenland National Park, which protects about 375,000 square miles, is the largest national park in the entire world. A vast variety of animals including polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, collared lemmings, Greenland wolves, and seals can be seen in this impressive park. Great northern divers, barnacles geese, king eiders, gyrfalcons, and snowy owls can also be found.

Birds in Denmark

Denmark is a relatively small country but it is surrounded extensively by coastline and ocean. The vast coastline provides inlets, marshlands, mudflats, and coastal meadows for a variety of sea birds and shorebirds. Denmark also lies directly along the path of migration routes between Europe and the other Scandinavian countries, meaning fall and spring are excellent times to see passerines, raptors, and waterfowl dot the skies and the lands of the country.

Some of the best birdwatching in Denmark takes place on the western coastline. Primarily geese, ducks, and shorebirds are present year-round in numbers reaching almost 100,000. The northernmost region of the country is known as Jutland. Skagen, at Jutland’s apex, acts as a bottleneck for migrating birds of prey specifically, drawing them in by the hundreds.

Some of the most popular avifauna to spot in Denmark include:

• Bar-headed Goose
• Falcated Duck
• Common Pochard
• Horned Grebe
• European Turtle Dove
• Cuckoos

Many bird species native to Denmark are threatened by diminishing habitats and human encroachment. Conservation groups are enforcing the protection of these birds to the best of their ability and visitors must adhere to the rules and regulations in place.

Fish in Denmark

Denmark may be small but it is mighty. As one of the top five in the world industry for fish exportation and products, it is a spectacular place for recreational angling. Surrounded almost on all sides by the ocean, sea fishing is one of the most popular forms of fishing in Denmark. However, inland rivers prove just as worthy of casting. Listed are several favored spots for fishing and some of the species found there!

• North Jutland – Atlantic Mackerel, Pollock, Flatfish
• Western Jutland Floodplains – Salmon, Sea Trout, Grayling
• Lake District – Zander, Pike, Sea Trout, Burbot, Eel
• Copenhagen – Cod, Mackerel, Perch, Pike
• Bornholm Island – Garfish, Sea Trout, Cod, Perch, Zander

Fishing is a fun pastime not only for visitors but for locals as well. Guides and charters are available just about everywhere in the country.

Snakes in Denmark

Today, only two snake species roam the country of Denmark. Originally four, the Aesculapian and Smooth Snakes are considered extinct, leaving the European Adder and the Grass Snake as the remaining species. Luckily, while venomous, adders are relatively shy and do not bite unless provoked or startled. Grass snakes are nonvenomous and do not pose a threat to humans.

The European adder is venomous and is also considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Denmark. It is important for visitors and locals to be aware of their surroundings and understand snake bite protocol.

Rarest Animal in Denmark

Hooded seals are native to Denmark and Greenland waters and are known for having large red sacks extending from their noses – very prominent in males. The males inflate their nasal septums to attract females or scare away the competition. Males can reach up to 600 pounds and are 8 – 10 feet in length. Females are smaller at 7 feet in length and 350 pounds.

Hooded seals eat crustaceans, fish, squid, sea stars, mussels, shrimp, and octopuses. They are known for diving and swimming deep water to get their food. These solitary animals prefer cold climates and tend to live on floating ice packs in the Atlantic. Climate change has threatened the animal by melting the ice that is so necessary for their lives and is their breeding ground. They are also threatened by oil spills, competition for food, and being caught in fishing nets.

Largest Animal in Denmark

The magnificent red deer is the largest land mammal in Denmark and can be seen in the remote areas of Western Jutland – where a herd of over 1,000 deer roams. Male red deer (stags) are typically up to 250 cm (98 in.) long and weigh up to 240 kg (530 lbs.) Stags sport large racks of antlers that increase in size every year. Females grow up to 210 cm. (83 in.) long and weigh up to 170 kg (370 lbs.)

These large deer sport reddish coats in the summer that fade to grey-brown in winter. They graze on grasses, dwarf shrubs, heather, bilberry, tree shoots, and woody browse. The species became almost extinct due to overhunting but has made a comeback in remote areas and the current population is genetically close to the original Danish red deer.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Denmark Today

Besides a few insects such as ticks and mosquitos that spread diseases, Denmark is free of all but a few dangerous animals.

• Common European Adder – As the only venomous snake in all of Denmark, the European adder will sometimes take people by surprise and deliver a painful bite. Common symptoms of its venom include pain, swelling, tingling, and blisters, but hospitalization is only required in a small percentage of all cases. More systemic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever, blindness, and loss of consciousness are generally signs of a serious reaction. They can appear within the first few hours after a bite and should be treated as soon as possible. Cardiovascular failure occurs in only the most severe cases.
• European Hornet – The largest wasp native to Europe, the European hornet may sting people if it feels threatened. Most stings are painful but should not require medical attention. However, in a small number of cases, serious symptoms may include tingling, shortness of breath, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Zoos in Denmark

• Copenhagen Zoo – One of the oldest zoos in Europe, Copenhagen Zoo was founded in 1859 and is now one of the top visited sights in Denmark. Exhibits are broken up by specific countries of Asia, South America, Africa, Tasmania, and a whole tropical section. Rare species such as Tasmanian devils, Schmitz’s caracals, East African chimpanzees, and Tasmanian wombats are conserved within the zoo.
• Aalborg Zoo – Today the zoo plays an important role in conservation efforts around the world including breeding, rehabilitation, and reintroduction programs. Over 1,500 animals reside within the zoo, including polar bears, orangutans, and hippopotamuses.

Endangered Animals in Denmark

While the Danish government does extend protection to its current endangered animals, there are still several species at risk of becoming extinct:

• Hooded Seal – Featuring a unique inflatable balloon-like sac on the head of the male, the hooded seal is native to the North Atlantic, from Canada to Greenland. As a result of accidental bycatch and overhunting (their bodies are used to produce leather and oil), numbers declined throughout the 20th century. This species is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.
• Eurasian Beaver – The beaver went extinct from Denmark around the year 1000 AD. It was later reintroduced back into the country in 1999 and spread quickly from there. However, it’s still endangered enough to warrant protection.
• Polar Bear – The mighty polar bear roams across the frigid snow and ice of Greenland. While it’s still listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, the number of polar bears may fall further due to the combined effect of climate change, pollution, and oil and gas development in the Arctic.

The Flag of Denmark

The national flag of Denmark has a red background with a white Nordic cross positioned off-center. The red background represents battle and the white color peace. The white cross is depicted as a symbol representing Christianity.

The flag is called the Dannebrog and according to legend, it fell from the sky in Estonia on June 15, 1219. Dannebrog means “Danish cloth” or “well-made material”. The Danes were the first to adopt the cross design, which now features on all Nordic flags.