Denmark

Below you can find a complete list of Danish animals. We currently track 230 animals in Denmark and are adding more every day!

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.

Danish Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Arctic Char

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

Armyworm

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

Asian Lady Beetle

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

Atlantic Cod

One of the most popular food fishes in the world

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Badger

Can reach speeds of 30 km/h!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Beaver

Builds a dam from sticks and leaves!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Beewolf wasp

They hunt bees

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Booted Bantam

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

Brown-banded Cockroach

Females glue egg cases to furniture

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Camel Cricket

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

Carpenter Ant

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

Cat

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

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chamois

Natively found in the European mountains!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

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

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common European Adder

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

Common Frog

Found throughout the European continent!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

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

Common Loon

Also known as the Great Northern Diver

Common Raven

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

Common Toad

Most active in wet weather!

Cormorant

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

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Danish Swedish Farmdog

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!

Edible Frog

Are known to guard the muddy banks!

Eel

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

Eider

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

English Longhorn Cattle

Although they look similar to the Texas Longhorn, they are not closely related.

Ermine

A very bold and ferocious predator!

Eurasian Bullfinch

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

Eurasian Eagle-owl

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

Eurasian Jay

The Eurasian jay has the ability to mimic other sounds

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

Ferret

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

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

Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"

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

Giant House Spider

They are the fastest invertebrates in the U.K.

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Goldcrest

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

Golden Eagle

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

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

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

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Honey Buzzard

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

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

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

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.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

King Eider

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

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lemming

Does not hibernate during the bitter Arctic winter!

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-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Marsh Frog

Has bright green skin!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Merganser

They line their nests with their feathers

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Natterjack

Can lay up to 7500 eggs

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Nematode

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

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.

Old House Borer

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

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Palaeophis

This snake was as long as a school bus!

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.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pike Fish

Pine Marten

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

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Red Deer

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

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!

Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)

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

Sable 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!

Short-Eared Owl

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

Shrew

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

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

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

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

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

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

Song Thrush

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

Spadefoot Toad

They spend most of their time underground!

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

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

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

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.

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

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!

Thornback Ray

The skate with the biggest spines!

Thrush

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

Tick

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

Tiger Beetle

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

Tiger Moth

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

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles

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

Viper

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

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Vole

The largest Vole species in the UK!

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.

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

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

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Woolly Rhinoceros

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

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Wryneck

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

Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)

They follow after seals and whales to eat their scraps.

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

Danish Animals List