Animals In Lithuania

Updated: March 4, 2023
Share this post on:

Advertisement


Below you can find a complete list of Lithuanian animals. We currently track 223 animals in Lithuania and are adding more every day!

The forests, wetlands, meadows, and field habitats of Lithuania are home to a varied collection of animals. Bison, Roe deer, moose, foxes, wolves, marsh frogs, and the white stork are just a few examples of wildlife in Lithuania. Lithuania has 45 mammal species, 9 reptile species, 13 amphibian species, 50 plus species of fish, and 392 bird species.

The Official National Animal Of Lithuania

In 1973, the White stork became the national animal of Lithuania. This bird with its long beak and elegant white and black feathers represents harmony. In fact, many Lithuanians believe that allowing this bird to nest near their home brings peace to the entire household. The White stork even has its own day! On March 25th each year, these storks are celebrated and honored. Kids are given small gifts such as chocolate, toys, and fruit. Also, people dye eggs and hang them on tree branches.

The stork is a symbol of domestic life, family, birth and prosperity. It is said that if your property is located where they nest, it will bring your family into harmony. The story that storks bring babies to expectant mothers continues to be told to children in Lithuania today.

Not surprisingly, there’s an abundant and increasing population of White storks living in Lithuania. This bird is such a popular creature it is the national bird of Poland and Belarus as well.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Lithuania Today

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)

Common Adder (Vipera berus) is the only venomous snake in the wild in Lithuania.

©Holm94/Shutterstock.com

Like any other country, there are some dangerous animals in Lithuania while others are known to be non-aggressive. As a note, most wild animals try to stay away from humans as much as possible. But, when encountered, some can be more dangerous than others.

Discover the most dangerous animals in Lithuania today:

  • Common Adder – This is the only venomous snake living in the wild in Lithuania. These snakes are well-hidden in their environment so when they bite people, it’s usually because they are accidentally stepped on or otherwise disturbed in their habitat. Fortunately, there have only been 14 total deaths from common adder bites since 1876. Pain in the bite area, dizziness, and sometimes an irregular heartbeat can be the result of an adder bite. Treatment is needed at a hospital as soon as possible. Some people who are bitten by common adders receive what is known as a dry bite. This means the snake did not release any of its venom.
  • Wolves – From 1989 to 2001, there have been just 22 wolf attacks in Lithuania. Wolves tend to stay hidden, so if they attack a human it’s because they feel threatened or they feel their young cubs are at risk. These animals are fast and have a powerful bite.
  • Moose – When you think of dangerous wildlife, you may not picture a moose. But these big mammals have the potential to be dangerous. Though it’s not clear how many moose attacks there have been in Lithuania, these large and strong mammals can use their tremendous hooves to kick at or trample a human who’s entered their territory. Though these mammals are usually mild-mannered, they can quickly become dangerous if they feel their young are at risk of being injured by a person or another animal.
  • Wild Boar – Wild boar in Lithuania have attacked hunters and others in their territory or near their young. This animal is aggressive and will run at a person causing deep cuts with its teeth and tusks. Though the number of fatalities from wild boar attacks is unknown, treatment at a hospital is needed to prevent excessive blood loss and infection.

Although the common adder is considered one of the most dangerous snakes, it is still not thought of as exceedingly dangerous in Lithuania. Because they are not very aggressive, they very rarely bite unless they are provoked, stepped on or picked up. They are located in many habitats like forests, meadows and pastures, so when in these areas, it’s always best to remain alert.

Where To Find The Top Animals In Lithuania

It’s an amazing experience to witness the native wildlife in Lithuania. Fortunately, there are many national parks designed to offer protection to the animals while educating the public about them. Look at where you can find the top animals in Lithuania.

  • Great Crested Newt – This large newt is most active between March and October. Many of these amphibians live in Zemaitija National Park.
  • Wolves – Gray wolves live in forests and around wetlands in Lithuania. Dzukija National Park, established in 1991, is home to many of Lithuania’s wolves.
  • White Storks – The national bird of Lithuania lives in wetlands and grasslands as well. Aukstaitija National Park is one place in Lithuania where you can see these majestic birds.
  • Elk – These large mammals live in a forest habitat. Dzukija National Park is home to a population of elk.
  • Boar – This unique-looking animal is native to Lithuania and lives in the forest. They can be observed in Dzukija National Park.
  • Bison – Bison used to be a common sight in Lithuanian forests. Though they didn’t become extinct, there was a big decrease in the population due to habitat loss. Fortunately, their numbers are growing again. They can be seen wandering in Krekenava Regional Park.

The great crested newt is not only one of the top animals to find in Lithuania but is also in danger of extinction. In their natural habitats, which include ponds, fish tend to dine on the larvae of this newt and it’s not possible to restore their population. It isn’t known exactly what their numbers are and although they are a protected species, things like loss of pond plant coverage, will effect numbers.

Endangered Animals In Lithuania

Each year, species are added to the list of those on the brink of extinction. Habitat loss, change in environmental conditions and hunting activity are three major reasons why some animals in Lithuania are considered Endangered. Check out some of the Endangered or Critically Endangered animals in Lithuania:

  • European mink
  • Saker falcon
  • Aquatic warbler (Vulnerable)
  • Black-tailed Godwit (Vulnerable)

Let’s take a look at the two most endangered species from the list. The European mink faces the greatest threat of extinction due to several factors. In 1997, there were an estimated population of 41,000 mink. As of today, that estimate is closer to less than 5,000. Being a more specialized species, the European mink has additional competition as well as concern for disease due to the invasive American Mink being released in Europe, as a result of escaping fur farms.

Saker falcons, which are the second-largest falcon species, are listed an endangered not only due to habit loss but because of trapping and indirect poisoning. Although this bird of prey’s population may be increasing in some locations, overall it is still in decline. It is believed that there are only about 200 pair of these large birds left in the world.

Rarest Animal In Lithuania

A sedge warbler perched on a sedge against a blurred green background

The aquatic warblers is visually similar to this sedge warbler, having brown on top and being pale below.

©vitalii_otroshko/Shutterstock.com

One of the rarest animals to find in Lithuania is the aquatic warbler. This bird is the only one of its kind found in mainland Europe to be internationally threatened. As its breeding grounds are found entirely in Europe, with only a small portion extended to Western Siberia, the aquatic warbler’s biggest threat is loss of habitat. There is currently an estimated population of 11,000 to 15,000.

While this warbler lives primarily in Europe, it does spend its winters in Senegal, West Africa and can be found at the Djoudj National Bird Santuary.

Largest Animals In Lithuania

There are a number of large animals in Lithuania and the first two are from the same species – the deer family. Starting with the most abundant of these is the roe deer. There is an estimated population of 120,000. This deer has an average weight of 66 pounds and stands almost 3 feet tall. The moose has a population of around 7000 and stands at 6 feet tall, with a typical weight of 1000 pounds.

The bison, which became extinct in Lithuania in the 17th century, was reintroduced here in 1969. The first wild bison were released in 1973. Due to a change in habit and increased hunting, there is currently only has a population of about 200. The bison can weigh up to 2500 pounds and has a height of 6.6 to 9 feet.

Flag Of Lithuania

The tricolor flag of Lithuania was adopted in 1918

The national tricolor flag of Lithuania is a distinctive tricolor of yellow, green, and red bands.

©DHAYAWATHI/Shutterstock.com

The flag of Lithuania has a long and meaningful history, with symbolism that reflects the past as well as modern times. There are two official flags — a national tricolor and a historical national flag that depicts a charging white knight. Both flags represent Lithuania’s long and historical participation in the battle for independence while honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those who fell for their cause.

The tricolor flag, which was officially designated in 1918, was re-institued in 1988. Each stripe of color has a different meaning. The yellow stipe represents light, goodness and sun. The green embodies hope, freedom and the beauty of nature and the red stripe signifies the courage, land and blood spilled for Lithuania.

The historical national flag dates back to the 15th century. It was originally for the Grand Duke of Lithuania although in the late 16th to the late 18th century, it came to represent the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This flag was used by the President of the Republic and in 2004 the Law on the National Flag was amended to include this version. To evade puzzlement over the two flags, this one was named the historical, while the tricolor was kept at the national flag.

Lithuanian Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Armyworm

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

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!

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.

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.

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 Goldfinch

They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, especially those containing niger seeds.

European Robin

Male robins are so aggressive and territorial that they will attack their own reflections.

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

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!

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.

Northern Pintail

Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!

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

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.

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

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

Pine Marten

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

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.

Redstart

They build their nests off the ground in tree holes, cavities, stone walls, and roofs

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.

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!

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 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.

Ural owl

The Ural owl can rotate its head up to 270 degrees

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!

Wax Moth

The Wax Moth larvae are more dangerous than the adult.

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

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.

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

Lithuanian Animals List

Share this post on:
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Animals In Lithuania FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are there wolves in Lithuania?

Yes, there are gray wolves native to Lithuania. They live in forests and rocky areas of the country. This is one of those animals that like to stay away from people and keep moving through the range of their territory. These mammals have a conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population.

Are there any bears in Lithuania?

Yes, but they don’t live within the country. Brown bears are considered extinct in Lithuania. However, these mammals are not entirely extinct as a species. Brown bears sometimes cross the border into Lithuania from Latvia and Belarus. Bears are not concerned about borders!

Are there snakes in Lithuania?

Yes, there are snakes in Lithuania. The venomous Common Adder lives in the wild. Grass snakes and smooth snakes are also plentiful in this country. There are other types of snakes both venomous and non-venomous living in Lithuanian zoos and even in private collections of wildlife.