A coastal Scandinavian country, Norway — officially the Kingdom of Norway — is awash in wildlife. Farms carpet the lower mainland, while high mountains, lakes, tundras, rivers, wetlands, and a sea coast cover the rest. Skerries and fjords provide additional marine ecosystems where thousands of Norway animals make their homes.
Further below, you’ll find a complete list of Norwegian animals. We currently track 137 animals in Norway and add more daily!
Norway Geography
Norway is a long, thin country in Europe’s Scandinavian region. Its territory extends north of the Arctic Circle and 32 percent of the mainland sits above the treeline. Verdant agricultural lands blanket the southern mainland, and the Scandinavian Mountains run up the nation’s spine.
Svalbard, an archipelago midway between Norway and the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean, is also part of Norway. First used as a whaling base in the 1600s and 1700s, it’s an important breeding ground for seabirds, and more polar bears live on the islands than people. A conservation haven, Svalbard has seven national parks, 23 nature preserves, and 60 percent is covered in glaciers.
Norway’s Animals
Though the number is constantly in flux since scientists make new discoveries yearly, about 21,311 species spend time in Norway. Some live in the Scandinavian country year round; others come for the summer.
Norway Species Breakdown
- Birds: 526
- Insects: 16,000
- Fresh-water Fish: 45
- Fresh-water Invertebrates: 1,000
- Mammals: 90
- Marine Fish: 150
- Marine Invertebrates: 3,500
Norway Animals: Avifauna
According to the last count of the Norwegian Ornithological Society, 525 avifauna species — aka bird species — whizz through Norway’s friendly skies. Additionally, eBird added one more to the list in 2018, making the current number 526. Many birds only spend the summer months in Norway and head to southern Europe and North Africa for the winter.
Of the 526 bird species in Norway, 244 are accidental and four were introduced by humans, including the Mandarin duck.
One of Norway’s standout birds is the Atlantic puffin. With their long, colorful beaks and clownish faces, the distinct birds look like they came from the mind of Barry Leighton-Jones. To catch a glimpse, head to Vesteralen between early June and mid August when 300,000 of them flock for breeding season.
Norway is also home to the white-tailed eagle, which almost went extinct in the 1800s. But thanks to successful conservation efforts, the majestic bird has made a comeback. Today, the best place to see them is the Gjesvaestappen Nature Reserve.
A Nod to Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III: Decorated Military Penguin
Nils Olav is a distinguished member of the Norwegian King’s Guard — and he’s a penguin!
In 1972, to commemorate the first successful South Pole expedition led by a Norwegian, the country’s King’s Guard adopted a King Penguin from the Edinburgh Zoo and named him Nils Olav. At first, the flightless bird held the rank of lance corporal. Since then, Nils Olav — of which there have been three to date — has climbed the ranks. Today, his official title is Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III!
Norway Animals: Mammals
Norway is filled with large, hooved mammals like moose and deer, in addition to the largest animal in the country, elk — or “elg” as it’s said in Norwegian.
Muskox are also plentiful in northern regions, and if you happen upon the cloven ungulates, with their long, shaggy coats and stubby horns, you’ll better understand why they’re known as “ugly moose.” People with sensitive noses should stay away from muskox during mating season when males emit a pungent pheromone to attract the ladies. The stench may smell divine to female muskox, but a lot of humans find the odor overpowering.
Reindeer are also native to Norway. Some live domesticated lives in Sami villages; other populations roam wild in Randone and Hardangervidda National Parks.
Eurasian lynxes, with their spike tufts of ear hair, are the only big cats in Norway.
Other Common Mammals in Norway
- Shrews
- Bats
- European Hedgehog
- European Rabbit
- European and Mountain Hares
- Beaver
- Red Squirrel
- Brown Bear
- Badger
- Weasels
- Ermines
- Wolves
- Wolverines
- Foxes
Norway Animals: Marine Mammals
Scores of large marine mammals make their homes in Norway’s oceans. Six seal species and 30 whale ones — including white, beaked, sperm, and baleen — can be spotted off the Norwegian coast. Dolphins and porpoise are also plentiful in the region.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Norway? Between late May and mid September.
Norway Animals: Reptiles and Amphibians
Being so far north, Norway isn’t filled with reptiles and amphibians — but it does have some. Six terrestrial reptile and six amphibian species reside within Norway’s borders. From time to time, leatherback sea turtles, the largest extant turtles, hoist themselves onto coastal beaches, and loggerhead sea turtles, which can weigh up to 1,000 pounds — occasionally waddle onto shore.
Northern crested newts, which resemble mini stegosauruses during mating season, can also be found in Norway.
Endangered Animals in Norway
The Norwegian Red List details 2,355 Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable species, in addition to 1,235 listed as Near Threatened, including:
- Arctic Fox
- Eurasian Otter
- Pool Frogs
- Lesser White-Fronted Goose
- Atlantic Puffin
- Steppe Eagle
Global warming and habitat destruction are the two biggest threats for Norway’s endangered animals.
National Animal of Norway
Officially, Norway has several national animals.
- The moose is the main national animal of Norway.
- The lion is Norway’s national royal animal. Denmark’s current ruling family is the House of Glücksburg, and Harald V is the current king.
- White-throated dippers are the country’s national bird.
- Fjord horses are the nation’s national horse.
Norway Animals FAQ
Unlike Australia, which has venomous animals everywhere, there are few dangerous animals in Norway. That said, the country’s large mammals — like moose and elk — are capable of doing severe damage by ramming targets if provoked.
Polar bears are also dangerous. The apex predators can outrun humans and behead us with a single swipe of their lethal paws!
Yes. Recognized wildlife predators live in Norway, including brown bears, polar bears, Eurasian lynxes, wolverines — which can take down animals twice its size — and wolves.
Yes. There are two types of venomous snakes in Norway: the common European viper and the adder.
Yes! Norwegian people are big into moose meat, and they love moose burgers!
Norwegian Animals
Ant
First evolved 100 million years ago!
Arctic Fox
Extremely thick winter fur!
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!
Bat
Detects prey using echolocation!
Beaver
Builds a dam from sticks and leaves!
Beetle
There are more than 350,000 different species
Bird
Not all birds are able to fly!
Black Widow Spider
They typically prey on insects!
Brown Bear
A dominant predator in it's environment!
Bumblebee
The most common species of bee!
Butterfly
There are thought to be up 20,000 species!
Cat
First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!
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!
Common Buzzard
The most common raptor in the UK!
Common Frog
Found throughout the European continent!
Common Loon
Also known as the Great Northern Diver
Common Toad
Most active in wet weather!
Cow
There are nearly 1.5 million worldwide!
Crab
There are 93 different crab groups
Crane
Many are critically endangered species!
Deer
There are around 40 different species!
Dog
First domesticated in South-East Asia!
Donkey
First domesticated 5,000 years ago!
Dragonfly
It's larvae are carnivorous!
Duck
Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!
Dunker
A friendly and relaxed dog!
Eagle
Has exceptional eyesight!
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!
Ermine
A very bold and ferocious predator!
Falcon
The fastest creatures on the planet!
Ferret
Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!
Fire-Bellied Toad
Found across mainland Europe and Asia!
Fly
There are more than 240,000 different species!
Flying Squirrel
Can glide up to 90 meters!
Fox
There are 12 different species in the world!
Frog
There are around 7,000 different species!
Glass Lizard
Can grow up to 4ft long!
Glow Worm
Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!
Goat
Most closely related to the Sheep!
Golden Oriole
Migrates between Europe and Asia!
Goose
There are 29 different species!
Grasshopper
There are 11,000 known species!
Hamster
Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!
Hare
Can reach speeds of over 40 mph!
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!
Hoopoe
Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!
Horse
Has evolved over 50 million years!
Human
Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!
Insects
There are an estimated 30 million species!
Kingfisher
Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!
Ladybug
There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!
Lemming
Does not hibernate during the bitter Arctic winter!
Lizard
There are around 5,000 different species!
Long-Eared Owl
Ear tufts make it look bigger!
Magpie
They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!
Marsh Frog
Has bright green skin!
Mayfly
There are 2,500 known species worldwide!
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!
Moose
Renews it's enormous antlers every year!
Moth
There are 250,000 different species!
Mouse
Found on every continent on Earth!
Mule
The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!
Neanderthal
Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!
Newt
Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!
Nightingale
Named more than 1,000 years ago!
Norwegian Forest
Has a long, thick double coat of fur!
Otter
There are 13 different species worldwide
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
Apex freshwater predators with fearsome teeth!
Polar Bear
Could be extinct within the next 30 years!
Pond Skater
There are 500 different species!
Pool Frog
The rarest amphibian in the UK!
Porcupine
There are 30 different species worldwide!
Porpoise
Surprisingly, not a dolphin!
Puffin
Can remain in the water for up to 2 minutes!
Purple Emperor Butterfly
Inhabits deciduous forests!
Puss Moth
Caterpillars squirt formic acid!
Quail
Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!
Rabbit
There are more than 50 different species!
Raccoon
Known to wash their food before eating it!
Raccoon Dog
The only hibernating canine!
Rat
Omnivores that eat anything!
Reindeer
Also known as the Caribou
River Turtle
Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!
Robin
There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!
Salamander
There are more than 700 different species!
Sand Lizard
Males turn green in spring!
Scorpion
There are around 2,000 known species!
Seahorse
Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!
Shrimp
There are 2,000 different species worldwide!
Slow Worm
Found widely throughout British gardens!
Snail
There are nearly 1,000 different species!
Snake
There are around 3,000 known species worldwide
Snowy Owl
One of the largest owl species in the world!
Spadefoot Toad
They spend most of their time underground!
Sparrow
There are 140 different species!
Squirrel
Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!
Stag Beetle
More than 1,200 different species!
Stick Insect
There are more than 3,000 different species!
Stoat
Average adults weigh about 200 grams!
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!
Tortoise
Can live until they are more than 150 years old!
Tree Frog
Found in warmer jungles and forests!
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!
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.
Wolverine
Releases a strong smelling musk in defence!
Woodlouse
Actually a crustacean, not an insect!
Woodpecker
There are 200 different species!
Norwegian Animals List
- Ant
- Arctic Fox
- Aurochs
- Avocet
- Badger
- Barn Owl
- Bat
- Beaver
- Beetle
- Bird
- Black Widow Spider
- Brown Bear
- Bumblebee
- Butterfly
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Chamois
- Chicken
- Cockroach
- Common Buzzard
- Common Frog
- Common Loon
- Common Toad
- Cow
- Crab
- Crane
- Deer
- Dog
- Donkey
- Dormouse
- Dragonfly
- Duck
- Dunker
- Eagle
- Earwig
- Edible Frog
- Eel
- Ermine
- Falcon
- Ferret
- Fire-Bellied Toad
- Fly
- Flying Squirrel
- Fox
- Frog
- Glass Lizard
- Glow Worm
- Goat
- Golden Oriole
- Goose
- Grasshopper
- Hamster
- Hare
- Hedgehog
- Heron
- Highland Cattle
- Honey Bee
- Hoopoe
- Horse
- Human
- Insects
- Kingfisher
- Ladybug
- Lemming
- Lizard
- Long-Eared Owl
- Magpie
- Marsh Frog
- Mayfly
- Millipede
- Mole
- Mongrel
- Moorhen
- Moose
- Moth
- Mouse
- Mule
- Neanderthal
- Newt
- Nightingale
- Norwegian Forest
- Otter
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pig
- Pigeon
- Pika
- Pike Fish
- Polar Bear
- Pond Skater
- Pool Frog
- Porcupine
- Porpoise
- Puffin
- Purple Emperor Butterfly
- Puss Moth
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Raccoon
- Raccoon Dog
- Rat
- Reindeer
- River Turtle
- Robin
- Salamander
- Sand Lizard
- Scorpion
- Seahorse
- Shrimp
- Slow Worm
- Snail
- Snake
- Snowy Owl
- Spadefoot Toad
- Sparrow
- Squirrel
- Stag Beetle
- Stick Insect
- Stoat
- Swan
- Tawny Owl
- Termite
- Tortoise
- Tree Frog
- Vulture
- Wasp
- Water Buffalo
- Water Vole
- Weasel
- Wild Boar
- Wolf
- Wolf Spider
- Wolverine
- Woodlouse
- Woodpecker