N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
Estonia

Estonia is a standout Baltic wildlife destination for its vast, quiet forests and peatlands, island-studded Baltic coast, and spectacular migrations that bring eagles, cranes, and waterbirds within easy reach of visitors.
170 Species
42,388 km² Land Area
Overview

About Estonia

Estonia's wildlife character is defined by space and seasonality: broad tracts of boreal and mixed forest, immense raised bogs and fens, and a coastline of bays, islets, and reed-fringed lagoons that feel remarkably wild for Europe. This natural heritage supports iconic northern mammals-elk (moose), Eurasian lynx, gray wolf, and a stronghold population of brown bear-alongside one of the continent's richest bird faunas. Traditional land-use, including coastal meadows and wooded pastures maintained by grazing, adds a cultural layer that also benefits biodiversity by keeping open habitats alive.

Key ecosystems shape the experience. Peatlands like those in Soomaa and other bog complexes are biodiversity engines and major carbon stores, with boardwalk trails and seasonal "fifth season" floodwaters creating a unique access to wetland life. Estonia's Baltic Sea coast and islands (notably Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and the islets of Matsalu and Vilsandi regions) are critical for migratory stopovers and breeding seabirds and shorebirds; spring and autumn can bring immense concentrations of geese, ducks, swans, and waders, plus raptors riding thermals along the coast. Mature forests and large protected areas provide the continuity needed for wide-ranging carnivores and old-growth specialists.

In global conservation terms, Estonia's importance lies in safeguarding a key segment of the East Atlantic flyway and protecting peatlands that matter far beyond national borders for climate and biodiversity. The country is deeply embedded in European and international conservation frameworks (including Ramsar wetlands, the Natura 2000 network, and Baltic Sea marine protection efforts), and it contributes to cross-border initiatives for large carnivores and migratory birds. For visitors, the wildlife experience is uniquely quiet and immersive-think dawn crane choruses over marshes, bear sign along forest tracks, seal watching on low-slung skerries, and world-class birding from hides and coastal viewpoints with minimal crowds.

Physical Features

Geography

Estonia's wildlife is shaped by a low-relief northern European landscape where boreal-leaning forests, extensive peatlands and floodplain wetlands, and a long Baltic Sea coastline with many islands create a tight mosaic of habitats. Large, contiguous forests and bog complexes support wide-ranging mammals (e.g., elk/moose, brown bear, wolf, lynx), while the coast, shallow bays, reedbeds, and coastal meadows are crucial for breeding and migratory birds along the East Atlantic flyway. Major rivers and large lakes (notably Lake Peipus) add important freshwater-wetland gradients that concentrate waterfowl, fish, and riparian species.

42,388 km² (land area) Land Area
~129th largest country by area; about the size of Denmark Size Rank

Key Landscapes

  • Baltic Sea coastline (bays, lagoons, reedbeds, sandy beaches and dunes)
  • Large island systems and archipelagos (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu and many islets) with seabird colonies and seal haul-out potential
  • Coastal meadows and alvar/limestone grasslands (species-rich open habitats, important for waders and pollinators)
  • Extensive boreal/mixed forests (pine-spruce-birch mosaics; key for large carnivores and forest birds)
  • Peatlands, raised bogs, and fens (nationally significant mire networks supporting cranes, grouse, amphibians, and specialized plants/invertebrates)
  • Major lakes and lake-shore wetlands (Lake Peipus/Peipsi and Lake Võrtsjärv as major freshwater ecosystems and migration stopovers)
  • Major rivers and floodplains (Narva, Emajõgi, Pärnu-riparian corridors and spawning/feeding areas)
  • Low uplands and rolling terrain (e.g., Haanja Upland/Suur Munamägi) creating local microclimates and habitat heterogeneity
  • Limestone cliffs and karst features in the north (e.g., Ontika/Toila area) influencing plant communities and coastal ecology

Ecoregions

  • Baltic mixed forests (WWF terrestrial ecoregion)
  • Baltic Sea (marine ecoregion context; coastal/brackish habitats strongly influence seabirds, seals, and fish communities)
Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

Estonia's protected-area system is built around a mix of National Parks (covering large, representative landscapes), strict Nature Reserves and Conservation Areas (often focused on old-growth forests, bogs/fens, springs, and key breeding or staging sites for birds), and extensive EU Natura 2000 sites that overlap many nationally designated areas. Protection is especially strong in wetlands (raised bogs, floodplains, fens), boreal forest mosaics, and the Baltic Sea coast and island archipelagos, reflecting Estonia's importance on the East Atlantic flyway and as habitat for large carnivores and forest mammals.

Protected Coverage

Approximately ~19% of Estonia's land area is under formal national protection (with much of this also within the EU Natura 2000 network; additional coastal/marine areas are protected via MPAs and Natura 2000).

Notable Parks & Reserves

Matsalu National Park

National Park; Ramsar wetland (Matsalu)

One of Northern Europe's most important migratory bird stopover and staging areas, centered on Matsalu Bay's shallow coastal waters, reedbeds, and wet meadows. Peak spring and autumn migrations can bring exceptionally high concentrations of waterfowl and waders.

Barnacle goose
Whooper swan
Eurasian crane
White-tailed eagle
White-tailed eagle
Common goldeneye
Common goldeneye
Great cormorant

Lahemaa National Park

National Park

Estonia's oldest and one of its largest national parks, combining extensive boreal forests, bogs, rivers, and a highly varied Baltic coast. It is notable for supporting large mammals and raptors alongside rich coastal habitats.

Moose (elk)
Brown bear
Brown bear
Eurasian lynx
Eurasian lynx
Eurasian beaver
Eurasian beaver
Black stork
White-tailed eagle
White-tailed eagle

Soomaa National Park

National Park; Ramsar wetland (Soomaa)

A vast wilderness of raised bogs, floodplain forests, and rivers, famous for seasonal floods ('the fifth season') that create highly dynamic wetland habitats. It is a stronghold for wetland birds and semi-aquatic mammals in a largely intact landscape.

Eurasian beaver
Eurasian beaver
Eurasian otter
Moose (elk)
Grey wolf
Grey wolf
Eurasian crane
Western capercaillie

Vilsandi National Park

National Park (marine/coastal); widely recognized for key coastal bird and seal habitats

A premier Baltic Sea island and islet archipelago protected for seabird colonies, coastal lagoons, and marine ecosystems. It is among Estonia's best areas for viewing sea ducks, terns, and hauled-out seals.

Grey seal
Grey seal
Ringed seal
Common eider
Barnacle goose
Arctic tern
White-tailed eagle
White-tailed eagle

Alutaguse National Park

National Park

A large, forest-and-wetland dominated landscape in northeast Estonia that includes extensive bog systems and some of the country's most continuous woodland. It is especially important for large carnivores and boreal forest species.

Brown bear
Brown bear
Eurasian lynx
Eurasian lynx
Grey wolf
Grey wolf
Moose (elk)
Western capercaillie
Black stork

Karula National Park

National Park

A southern Estonian mosaic of forests, lakes, and hummocky (hilly) terrain that supports a diverse mix of woodland and wetland wildlife. The park is notable for raptors and forest bird communities in a traditionally managed cultural landscape.

Lesser spotted eagle
Black stork
Eurasian otter
Moose (elk)
Hazel grouse
White-tailed eagle
White-tailed eagle

Endla Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve; Ramsar wetland (Endla)

A major wetland complex of fens, bogs, and spring-fed systems that provides high-quality breeding and stopover habitat for wetland birds. Its intact hydrology supports rich marsh vegetation and associated mammal and bird life.

Whooper swan
Eurasian crane
Eurasian bittern
Black stork
Eurasian beaver
Eurasian beaver
Eurasian otter
Animals

Wildlife

Estonia's wildlife is shaped by a mosaic of boreal forests, vast peatlands and floodplain wetlands, traditional meadows, and a long Baltic Sea coastline with large island archipelagos. This mix supports a notably "Nordic" fauna for its latitude: healthy populations of large mammals (moose, brown bear, wolf, lynx), exceptionally rich migratory birdlife concentrated in coastal bays and wetlands (especially during spring/autumn passages), and coastal marine mammals (grey and ringed seals). Protected areas such as Lahemaa, Soomaa, Matsalu, Alutaguse, and the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve define much of the best wildlife viewing.

~60-70 native mammals (including marine mammals such as seals) Mammals
~380-400 species recorded overall; ~200-230 breed regularly Birds
~5 species Reptiles
~11-12 species Amphibians

Iconic Species

Moose (Elk) Estonia is one of the best places in the Baltic region to see moose in forest-edge wetlands and bog mosaics, especially at dawn/dusk. Frequent in Alutaguse and Soomaa landscapes, and also in large forest parks such as Lahemaa.
Brown Bear
Brown Bear A flagship species of Estonia's eastern and northeastern forests; the country is known for reliable bear tourism from hides near feeding sites (seasonal, regulated) and for its relatively intact bear habitat. Best associated with Alutaguse and large contiguous state forests.
Gray Wolf
Gray Wolf Wolves remain a defining element of Estonia's wild-forest character. Encounters are rare, but tracks, howling surveys, and guided winter trips in large forest blocks (notably in eastern Estonia) are a major draw for wildlife-focused visitors.
Eurasian Lynx
Eurasian Lynx Estonia is one of the stronger areas in Northern Europe for lynx relative to its size. Sightings are uncommon, but it is iconic for tracking-focused nature tourism and is strongly associated with quiet, mature forest and low human density areas.
European Beaver
European Beaver Beavers are widespread and easy to observe by sign (dams, lodges, gnawed trees) and sometimes at dusk along slow rivers and forest streams. They are especially characteristic of wetland-rich regions like Soomaa and river valleys across the country.
White-tailed Eagle
White-tailed Eagle A conservation success story in the Baltic: Estonia's coasts, islands, and large wetlands provide prime nesting and hunting habitat. Watch along the West Estonian archipelago, coastal lagoons, and major wetlands where they patrol for fish and waterbirds.
Western Capercaillie A signature bird of boreal forest. Estonia's extensive coniferous and mixed forests still support lekking sites (highly sensitive and often protected), making it an emblem of intact woodland ecosystems.
Common Crane Estonia's bogs, wet meadows, and coastal wetlands support breeding cranes and major staging gatherings. Large flocks during migration and late-summer/early-autumn are a highlight in wetland landscapes and agricultural edges near roost sites.
Grey Seal
Grey Seal The West Estonian archipelago is one of the Baltic's key areas for seal watching, with haul-outs on remote islets and skerries. Boat-based viewing opportunities exist (with strict approach rules to avoid disturbance).
Ringed Seal (Baltic ringed seal) A classic Baltic specialty in Estonia, especially around outer islands and ice-associated coastal waters in colder seasons. While harder to see than grey seals, it is a sought-after species for coastal wildlife trips.

Endemic Species

Saaremaa yellow rattle A flowering plant endemic to Estonia, restricted to Saaremaa Island (western Estonia). It is one of the few widely documented country-endemic taxa for Estonia, unlike the Baltic ringed seal and Baltic dunlin which occur across multiple Baltic Sea countries. Endemic

Notable Populations

  • Matsalu Bay and surrounding coastal wetlands are among Northern Europe's most important migration stopovers, hosting very large seasonal concentrations of geese, swans, cranes, and waders.
  • The West Estonian Archipelago (including islets and skerries) is a regionally important stronghold for Baltic seals (grey seal and Baltic ringed seal) and for sea- and wetland-associated birds.
  • Estonia supports one of the more intact large-carnivore assemblages in the European lowlands (brown bear, wolf, lynx) due to extensive forest cover and relatively low human density in key regions.
  • White-tailed eagles breed widely along coasts and large inland wetlands, reflecting a strong Baltic recovery and making Estonia a reliable place to see this top predator.
  • Large peatland systems (e.g., Soomaa and other bog complexes) form a globally important habitat type for boreal wetland specialists and for staging cranes and other wetland birds.
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Forestry is a major land use, and periods of increased harvest pressure and extensive clearcutting/short rotations can reduce old/complex forest structure, deadwood, and continuity important for forest birds, saproxylic insects, fungi, and lichens. Logging in or near key habitats (older stands, riparian buffers) and fragmentation can also affect large carnivore prey dynamics and denning/quiet areas. Debates over logging levels and protections for high conservation value forests are prominent.
  • Historic and ongoing drainage of peatlands and forest soils (ditches) alters hydrology, dries carbon-rich bogs/fens, and changes species composition; it also increases peat decomposition and greenhouse emissions. River regulation, dredging, and culverts/weirs can impede fish migration and degrade spawning and nursery habitats, while coastal engineering can affect dunes and shore meadows.
  • Nutrient runoff (nitrogen and phosphorus) from agriculture, wastewater, and diffuse sources contributes to eutrophication in the Baltic Sea and coastal waters, fueling algal blooms and oxygen depletion that harm benthic habitats and fish. Local contamination hotspots (legacy industrial pollution, port areas, and hazardous substances) also affect aquatic ecosystems and seabirds through bioaccumulation.
  • Warmer winters and altered precipitation patterns change snow cover and freeze-thaw dynamics, affecting species adapted to cold conditions and increasing forest pest risks. Shifts in hydrology can dry wetlands or cause more extreme water level fluctuations, undermining peatland restoration gains. Sea-level rise and storm surges threaten low-lying coastal habitats (dunes, coastal meadows) and island nesting sites for waterbirds.
  • While Estonia retains large natural areas, localized habitat loss occurs through conversion and degradation of semi-natural habitats (wooded meadows, alvars, coastal meadows) when grazing/mowing declines, leading to scrub encroachment and reduced bird/insect diversity. Development around Tallinn and other growth areas can also remove or simplify habitats and reduce ecological connectivity.
  • In more productive regions, intensified agriculture can simplify landscapes (larger fields, fewer field margins), increase pesticide and fertilizer use, and pressure semi-natural grasslands. Drainage and land improvement measures can further impact wetlands and small watercourses important for amphibians and fish.
  • Road upgrades and new transport links can fragment forests and wetlands, increase wildlife-vehicle collisions (notably with elk), and disturb sensitive breeding sites. Coastal and port infrastructure can disturb shoreline habitats and increase risks of spills and underwater noise.
  • Invasive plants can alter coastal and riverine habitats (e.g., dense stands on shorelines and floodplains), reducing native plant communities used by nesting and foraging birds. Invasive mammals (such as American mink in parts of the region) can heavily predate ground-nesting birds on islands and coasts, requiring sustained control to protect colonies.
  • In the Baltic Sea and coastal waters, fishing pressure interacts with ecosystem changes (eutrophication, warming, food-web shifts). Local depletion risks exist for some coastal fish populations and can reduce prey availability for seabirds and marine mammals; bycatch can affect non-target species in certain fisheries.
  • Recreation and tourism concentrate on beaches, islands, and protected coastal landscapes, disturbing breeding waterbirds and seal haul-out areas (where present) and causing trampling of dunes and sensitive vegetation. Increased access (trails, off-road activity in some areas) can disrupt wildlife during breeding and wintering periods.
  • Hunting is a managed tradition for species such as elk and wild boar; if quotas, monitoring, or enforcement are misaligned with population dynamics, it can add pressure to some populations or alter trophic interactions. Large carnivore management can be contentious, and illegal killing can occur even where populations are monitored.
  • Large mammals (elk, wild boar, wolves) can cause crop damage, forestry browsing impacts, and occasional livestock depredation, driving social conflict and pressure for population control. Road collisions with elk also create safety and economic costs, influencing attitudes toward wildlife.
  • Growth around Tallinn and other towns increases land take, light/noise pollution, and fragmentation, especially in peri-urban forests and coastal zones. Sprawl can reduce green corridors used by mammals and migratory birds and increases stormwater runoff into streams and bays.
  • Oil shale extraction (a nationally significant industry) and related energy infrastructure can create localized habitat loss, water impacts, and pollution risks in affected regions, and post-mining landscapes require long-term reclamation to restore ecological function.
  • Wild boar populations have been affected by African swine fever in the region, altering population structure and management; disease dynamics can influence hunting pressure and ecosystem interactions. Warmer conditions can also support higher tick abundance, affecting wildlife and human health, and potentially influencing management priorities.
Visit

Wildlife Tourism

Estonia offers a high-quality, low-impact wildlife tourism experience built around vast boreal forests, peat bogs, coastal wetlands, and a long Baltic Sea shoreline with island archipelagos. Wildlife travel here is economically important at a local level (guides, hides, small lodges, boat operators, rural restaurants) and helps sustain protected areas, nature interpretation, and community livelihoods-especially in regions like Alutaguse, Matsalu, Lahemaa, Soomaa, Hiiumaa, and Saaremaa. Modern wildlife tourism grew strongly after independence in the 1990s alongside expanding protected areas, birdwatching culture, and hide-based photography; today, Estonia is known for responsible bear watching, world-class migration birding, and seasonal seal trips. Accessibility is a major advantage: Tallinn is a convenient gateway with good roads to key nature regions in 1-3 hours, plus frequent ferries to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Many signature habitats (bog boardwalks, coastal bird towers, forest trails) are easy to reach for independent travelers, while the best "rare/secretive" wildlife (brown bear, lynx, wolf, capercaillie) is most realistically seen with specialized guides using hides and local tracking knowledge. Estonia's long twilight in late spring/summer and snowy winters create distinctive viewing opportunities year-round.

Best Time to Visit

April-May (Spring migration): Peak birding in coastal wetlands and floodplains-huge movements of geese, swans, ducks, waders; raptors on passage; cranes displaying. Prime areas: Matsalu Bay, coastal meadows, river deltas.

June (Early summer): Breeding birds and dawn chorus in forests and bog edges; chance for capercaillie/black grouse in the right habitats (typically guided). Long daylight hours for photography and hikes.

July-August (Summer): Beaver activity at dusk; elk and roe deer in meadows; seabirds and coastal wildlife on islands; good for canoe/boat-based nature trips. Warmest weather for bog walks and kayaking.

September-October (Autumn migration + rut): Strong bird passage again (especially geese, ducks, waders, sea ducks along the coast). Red deer rut on western islands and coastal areas; elk rut in forest regions-excellent for listening/photography at dawn/dusk.

November-March (Winter): Best tracking season-fresh snow improves chances of finding wolf/lynx sign (and sometimes sightings) with guides. Sea birding along the coast can be excellent; short days but dramatic light.

February-April (Seal season, ice-dependent): When ice conditions allow, ringed and grey seals may be viewed on ice/near ice edges with responsible operators (exact timing varies by winter). In milder winters, seal viewing shifts more to boat trips in late spring/summer.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Brown bear photography from a purpose-built hide in Alutaguse (evening-to-night session): Quiet, low-impact viewing with the best chance of close encounters; often combined with forest mammals and nocturnal soundscapes.
  • Sunrise bog-boardwalk walk with a guide (Soomaa or comparable peatland): Look for cranes, moose tracks, dragonflies in summer, and misty bog pools-great for photographers and first-time bog visitors.
  • Beaver safari by canoe or silent boat at dusk on a river or floodplain: Watch beavers swimming, hear tail slaps, spot lodges/dams; often pairs well with owls and bats in summer.
  • Matsalu-style migration birding day: Use bird towers and coastal meadows to scan flocks of geese/swans/waders; add an evening session for cranes coming to roost.
  • Seal watching trip along the Baltic coast/islands (responsible distance): Typically by boat outside sensitive periods; in ice winters, guided ice-edge viewing may be possible where permitted and safe.
  • Red deer rut listening and photography on Saaremaa/Hiiumaa (September): Dawn/dusk stakeouts for roaring stags and sparring-one of Estonia's most atmospheric wildlife moments.
  • Capercaillie/black grouse lek observation with a specialist guide (spring, where permitted): Pre-dawn hide or distant observation to minimize disturbance; a bucket-list boreal forest experience.
  • Wolf/lynx tracking workshop in winter snow: Learn to read tracks, trails, scat, and kill sites; focus is often on sign and ecology with a realistic chance of sightings in the best areas.
  • Coastal sea-duck and raptor watch in late autumn: Scan for scoters, long-tailed ducks, divers, and passing raptors from headlands and lighthouses-excellent for experienced birders.
  • Night-time forest wildlife walk (summer/early autumn): Guided listening for owls, scanning forest edges for elk/roe deer, and learning about nocturnal ecology without spotlighting pressure.

Safari Types Available

  • Hide-based wildlife watching & photography (especially for brown bear and occasionally forest birds)
  • Guided birding safaris (migration hotspots, coastal meadows, wetlands, forest bird specialties)
  • Canoe/kayak safaris (rivers, floodplains, bog waterways; strong for beaver and birds)
  • Boat safaris & coastal cruises (island wildlife, seabirds, seals; seasonal)
  • Walking safaris/nature hikes (bog boardwalks, forest trails, coastal paths)
  • Winter tracking safaris (wolf/lynx/bear sign, general mammal tracking in snow)
  • Dawn/dusk stakeouts (elk/red deer rut, crane roosts, meadow mammals)
  • Multi-day wildlife itineraries (mixing forests + bogs + coast + islands with local guides)
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

A rare mammal lives in the EU's north: Estonia is one of the few EU countries with the Siberian flying squirrel, and it's near the western edge of the species' range-meaning protecting old mixed forests here can make or break an entire regional population.

Soomaa National Park has a real "fifth season": predictable flood periods can turn forests and meadows into a temporary inland sea, reshuffling where fish can move and where birds feed-locals even travel by canoe during peak floods.

Despite being small, Estonia's bird list is huge: over 390 bird species have been recorded nationally, boosted by its position on major Baltic migration routes and the mix of sea, wetlands, forests and meadows in a compact area.

Estonia's coastline hosts ice-dependent seals: Baltic ringed seals still pup on sea ice in the region when conditions allow-so a marine mammal's breeding success can hinge on a single winter's ice formation.

Large carnivores aren't confined to faraway wilderness: in Estonia it's normal (by European standards) for wolves and lynx to persist in managed forest landscapes, and the country's hunting/monitoring systems are built around coexisting with them rather than treating them as occasional vagrants.

Matsalu Bay (Matsalu National Park) is one of Europe's most important migratory-bird stopovers-spring/autumn passages can total up to ~2 million waterbirds, with massive concentrations of geese, ducks and waders documented there.

Estonia is among Europe's most forested countries: roughly half of its land area is forest, helping sustain viable populations of large mammals (elk/moose, wild boar, wolves, lynx and brown bears) in a relatively small country.

Estonia is often cited as having one of the highest brown-bear densities in the European Union: estimates commonly place the population at several hundred to around ~1,000 bears in ~45,000 km², meaning bears are a real part of the landscape rather than a rare remnant.

With 2,000+ islands and islets, Estonia is one of Europe's "island-rich" countries-its low, predator-limited skerries are prime breeding habitat for coastal birds (eiders, terns, gulls) and are also used as haul-out sites by Baltic grey seals.

Peatlands are a standout habitat: around a fifth of Estonia is peatland/bogs, putting it among Europe's peatland-heavy countries-these open wetlands are key breeding/foraging areas for species like cranes and many bog-specialist plants and insects.

Estonia is one of the least inhabited countries in Europe. Its population of 1.3 million people is spread out over some 17.5 million square miles, leaving its beaches, pasturelands, marshes, and forests largely untenanted by human beings though not by wildlife. Estonia abounds with interesting mammalian species like Eurasian lynx, wild boars, brown bears, moose, flying squirrels, beavers, and grey wolves. While these fauna is not unique to Estonia, they are comparatively rare in other parts of Europe.

Estonia is also widely heralded as one of the world’s great bird-watching destinations. It’s situated on the great East-Atlantic migratory pathway used by swans, geese, ducks, divers, cranes, and Arctic waterfowl. All in all, Estonia is home to 64 distinct mammalian species and more than 300 species of birds.

The Official National Animal of Estonia

Estonia definitely has a love/hate relationship with its official national animal, the grey wolf. Estonian legends about the predatory behavior of these canny, undomesticated canines date back to medieval times. But while wolves may play predators in Estonian fables, there hasn’t been a recorded wolf attack upon humans in more than 150 years. As of 2018, there were approximately 260 wolves in Estonia, divided into 20 to 25 packs. Estonian wolves live in remote wilderness areas, where it is legal to hunt them as a way of keeping their numbers down as biologists say the optimal number of wolves is 200 animals.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals in Estonia

Estonia has five outstanding national parks where many varieties of rare fauna can be spotted:

  • Lahemaa National Park: Lahemaa National Park in northern Estonia contains forest and wetland habitats that are home to moose, brown bears, wolves, red deer, Eurasian lynx, and other rare animals. Not only is Lahemaa Estonia’s largest national park, but it’s also one of the largest national parks in Europe. Lahemaa is fewer than 50 miles distant from the capital city Tallinn, so it’s easy for a tourist to Estonia to add a visit to his or her itinerary.
  • Korvemaa Nature Reserve: Korvemaa Nature Reserve is Estonia’s premier birdwatching destination where lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of endangered species like the black stork, the heather cock, or the golden eagle. The reserve is also home to grey wolves, brown bears, Eurasian lynx, and other wildlife. Once, European mink abounded here, but the local mink population is now thought to be extinct from over-trapping and habitat erosion.
  • Soomaa National Park: For much of the year, Soomaa National Park in the Estonian fen country is only accessible by kayak or canoe. This is a great place to observe the country’s beaver population as well as elk, wild boar, brown bear, grey wolf, and Eurasian lynx.
  • Matsalu National Park: Matsalu National Park was founded as a bird sanctuary in 1957. It’s been estimated that more than 2 million waterfowl fly over Matsalu Bay every year, including swans; goldeneye, bluebill, and tufted ducks; and barnacle and graylag geese. All told, more than 250 bird species have been identified at Matsalu National Park during the migration season.
  • Vilsandi National Park: Vilsandi grew from an avian preserve that was founded in 1910. It consists of more than 150 islands in the Baltic Sea that provide nesting grounds for nearly 250 bird species.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Estonia Today

Estonia is home to a number of animals that can be dangerous if they’re provoked.

  • Grey wolves: While unprovoked attacks by healthy wolves are not completely unknown, the vast majority of wolves pose no threats to human safety. Wolves may be predators, but they prefer to steer clear of humans.
  • Eurasian lynx: Although cornered lynx will defend itself with tooth and claw, these wild cats typically avoid people. In fact, humans present more of a threat to lynx than lynx do to people: In certain parts of the world, lynx are still trapped for their pelts.
  • Brown bears: Brown bears generally avoid human beings, but they are known for their unpredictable temperaments. Unprovoked attacks are not completely unknown, so they must be classified as potentially dangerous predators. Female bears with cubs can be particularly aggressive.
  • Adders: Estonia is also to the species of snake known as the adder. These snakes are considered an endangered species in Estonia and are under legal protection. They generally try to elude humans but will bite if they’re picked up. Adder bites are uncomfortable but only require hospitalization in a small number of cases.

Endangered Animals In Estonia

Destruction of forest and meadow habitats means that several Estonian fauna specimens are in danger of becoming extinct. These include mammals, birds, and insects.

Animals Found in Estonia

170 species documented in our encyclopedia

Admiral Butterfly Ashy Mining Bee Asian Lady Beetle Atlantic Cod Aurochs Australian Firehawk Barbut's Cuckoo Bumblebee Barn Swallow Bear Beaver Blue Tit Box Tree Moth Box-Headed Blood Bee Brown Bear Bumblebee Cabbage Moth Camel Cricket Carrion Beetle Cave Lion Cephalaspis Cockroach Codfish Codling Moth Common Buzzard Common European Adder Common Frog Common Furniture Beetle Common Goldeneye Common Raven Common Toad Crane Crayfish Cross Fox Crucian Carp Devil's Coach Horse Beetle Diving Bell Spider (Water Spider) Dormouse Dunnock Eared Grebe Edible Frog Eider Ermine Eurasian Beaver Eurasian Bullfinch Eurasian Collared Dove Eurasian Eagle-owl Eurasian Jay Eurasian Lynx Eurasian Nuthatch Eurasian Sparrowhawk Eurasian Wolf European Bee-Eater European Corn Borer European Goldfinch European Polecat European Robin European Starling Eurypterus Field Cuckoo Bumblebee Flounder Flycatcher Flying Squirrel Forest Cuckoo Bumblebee Fox Freshwater Eel Furrow Bee Glass Lizard Goldcrest Golden Eagle Golden Oriole Goshawk Grass Snake Grey Heron Grey Seal Grouse Gypsy Cuckoo Bumblebee Gypsy Moth Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Harbor Porpoise Harbor Seal Hare Herring Gull Hobo Spider Honey Buzzard Hoopoe Horned Grebe Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Irish Elk Jackdaw Jackrabbit Lamprey Linnet Loach Long-Eared Owl Long-Tailed Tit Lumpfish Lynx Magpie Mallard Marsh Frog Mason Bee May Beetle Merganser Mink Mole Moon Jellyfish Moorhen Muskrat Newt Nut Weevil Nuthatch Old House Borer Orange Spider Ortolan Bunting Osprey Otter Partridge Peacock Butterfly Peppered Moth Pike Fish Pine Marten Polecat Pool Frog Potato Beetle Puss Moth Raccoon Dog Red Deer Red Fox Red Squirrel Red-Tailed Cuckoo Bumblebee Redstart River Turtle Roe Deer Ruddy Turnstone Salamander Salmon Sand Lizard Sculpin Sea Eagle Sea Trout Sedge Warbler Short-Eared Owl Smooth Snake Song Thrush Sparrow Sparrowhawk Spongy Moth Stag Beetle Stoat Sturgeon Swan Tawny Mining Bee Tawny Owl Treecreeper Ural owl Viper Vole Water Vole Weasel Wels Catfish Whinchat White-Tailed Eagle Wild Boar Willow Warbler Winter Moth Wolf Wool Carder Bee Woolly Rhinoceros Yellowhammer Zebra Mussels

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