Below you can find a complete list of Swedish animals. We currently track 254 animals in Sweden and are adding more every day!
Sweden is a Scandinavian country on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It borders Norway to the west and Finland to the east. It is the third-largest country in Europe, but it has the second-lowest population density. Sweden’s weather is milder than the weather of other Scandinavian countries.
Its temperatures range from cool and humid in its southern lowlands to subarctic in its northern mountain ranges. Its location on the Arctic Circle means it has long, harsh winters. There are many wild, open spaces in Sweden. It has vast expanses of unspoiled forests and scenic Alpine lakes.
The Official National Animal of Sweden
Sweden’s national animal is the Eurasian elk (Alces alces), which is known as a moose in American English. The moose is the largest member of the New World deer family. Unlike other deer, moose are solitary and don’t travel in herds.
The moose’s thick skin and dense fur allow it to thrive in cold temperatures. Moose travel long distances to find the food they need. Moose are not endangered in Sweden. There are 300,000 to 400,000 of them, and the government permits hunting of them to control populations.
The reindeer is important culturally to the indigenous Sami people who live in Finland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. They were formerly known as Laplanders, but they consider that name offensive now. Although they are wild, reindeer are treated as domestic animals by the Sami, who herd them, use them for work and sell their meat. The Sami believe they and the reindeer have a pact to take care of each other forever.
Where To Find the Top Wild Animals in Sweden
Most wildlife is easy to spot in Sweden. If you hike in the forests, you are likely to encounter moose, but keep a respectful distance. They prefer to forage in the early evenings.
You can see beavers in most lakes and rivers in Sweden. Beavers are nocturnal. Traveling by boat at sunset allows you to come upon them as they’re building and fishing. If you see gnaw marks on nearby trees, you are probably near a beaver lodge.
Wolves are shy and difficult to spot. They live in densely forested areas. You can often hear them howling when you hike or camp. Some professional guides offer tours of the forests where you may spot these elusive creatures. Wolves are a protected species in Sweden.
Arctic foxes live in the northern mountains near Norway. They live in remote, hilly areas that most people and cars can’t reach. There is a guided tour on Helags Mountain that allows you to watch their dens from a distance.
The lynx is even shyer than the wolf. Although there is a large, healthy population of Eurasian lynxes in every part of Sweden, they are excellent at staying out of human sight. Lynxes are active at dusk and in the early morning hours. Some people have spotted a lynx while driving around the edge of the forest at sunrise.
Sweden has 30 national parks. Farnebofjarden National Park is a gorgeous place to see otters and other marine animals. It is on the Dalalven River and is a protected wetlands area. You can spot all kinds of wildlife visiting the river for a drink.
Abisko National Park is home to Scandinavia’s largest alpine lake. It is a wondrously scenic place to spot arctic foxes, reindeer, Eurasian elk, and lemmings.
The Most Dangerous Animals in Sweden Today
Sweden’s largest predators are the brown bear, wolf, and lynx. It also has wolverines, wild boars and moose. These animals can all be dangerous when provoked, but there are very few recorded attacks on humans.
Endangered Animals in Sweden
- The European bison (Bison bonasus) is listed as near threatened in Sweden.
- The European otter (Lutra lutra), also known as European otter and Old World otter, lives in Sweden’s lakes and rivers. Unlike sea otters, European otters don’t live in the water. Hunting caused otters to become nearly extinct, but otter populations are now recovering in many parts of Europe.
- Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) were almost extinct, but they have been reintroduced in Sweden. Wild boars were also hunted to extinction in Sweden, but they have been reintroduced and are now rated “least concern” for wildlife conservation status.
- The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), also known as finback whale, is the second largest species after the blue whale. It was hunted almost to extinction and has been slow to recover. The International Whaling Commission has outlawed commercial hunting of the fin whale, but Iceland and Japan continue to hunt it.
- Two bat species are almost extinct in Sweden. The pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) is a medium-sized bat that nests near areas of water. Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteini) is a long-eared bat that roosts in trees. It is one of the most rare and endangered bats in the world.
Sweden’s Unique Animals
Sweden’s scenic landscapes are home to many of the world’s most beautiful animals, including lynxes, arctic foxes, gray wolves and otters. Majestic elk, bears and wild boars roam the forests, and whales and seals swim in the oceans. Sweden has made a commitment to conserving its unique wildlife. Most of these animals enjoy healthy, stable populations in their wild natural habitats. With care and conservation, these magnificent animals will continue to thrive.
Fish Found in Sweden
Sweden may be famous for its cold weather and gorgeous scenery, but it’s also home to several fascinating fish species. These species are notable for their brilliant colors, odd shapes, or, in one case, their gaping mouths. Discover seven spectacular fish found in Sweden.
Sweden’s Flag
The flag of Sweden is a beautiful shade of blue, which represents loyalty, justice, and perseverance. A yellow-gold Nordic cross extends across its entirety. The cross is not centered; the vertical stripe is closest to the pole. The golden shade stands for generosity, a value important to the Swedish people. The flag derives from an ancient story. According to legend, King Eric IX saw an image of a golden cross as he arrived in Scandinavia in 1157.
Swedish Animals
Swedish Animals List
- Admiral Butterfly
- Angelshark
- Angora Ferret
- Ant
- Arctic Char
- Arctic Fox
- Armyworm
- Asian Lady Beetle
- Atlantic Cod
- Aurochs
- Avocet
- Badger
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Bat
- Beaver
- Bed Bugs
- Bee
- Beetle
- Beewolf wasp
- Bird
- Biscuit Beetle
- Black Widow Spider
- Brown-banded Cockroach
- Brown Bear
- Brown Dog Tick
- Bumblebee
- Butterfly
- Camel Cricket
- Caribou
- Carpenter Ant
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Ceratopsian
- Chamois
- Chicken
- Cockroach
- Codling Moth
- Common Buzzard
- Common European Adder
- Common Frog
- Common Furniture Beetle
- Common House Spider
- Common Loon
- Common Raven
- Common Toad
- Cormorant
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Crane
- Cricket
- Crow
- Cuckoo
- Danish Swedish Farmdog
- Deer
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Donkey
- Dormouse
- Dragonfly
- Drever
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Eagle
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Edible Frog
- Eel
- Eider
- Ermine
- Eurasian Bullfinch
- Eurasian Eagle-owl
- Eurasian Jay
- Eurasian Nuthatch
- European Goldfinch
- European Robin
- Falcon
- Fallow deer
- False Widow Spider
- Ferret
- Fire-Bellied Toad
- Firefly
- Flea
- Fly
- Flying Squirrel
- Fox
- Frog
- Fruit Fly
- German Cockroach
- Glass Lizard
- Glowworm
- Gnat
- Goat
- Goldcrest
- Golden Eagle
- Golden Oriole
- Goose
- Grasshopper
- Grey Heron
- Gypsy Moth
- Hamster
- Harbor Porpoise
- Hare
- Hawk Moth Caterpillar
- Hedgehog
- Heron
- Highland Cattle
- Honey Bee
- Honey Buzzard
- Hoopoe
- Horse
- Horsefly
- Housefly
- Human
- Huntsman Spider
- Insects
- Jumping Spider
- King Eider
- Kingfisher
- Ladybug
- Leech
- Lemming
- Linnet
- Lizard
- Loach
- Locust
- Long-Eared Owl
- Long-Tailed Tit
- Magpie
- Marsh Frog
- Mealybug
- Merganser
- Millipede
- Mole
- Mongrel
- Moorhen
- Moose
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mouse
- Mule
- Natterjack
- Neanderthal
- Nematode
- Newt
- Night Heron
- Nightingale
- No See Ums
- Norrbottenspets
- Northern Pintail
- Nutria
- Old House Borer
- Orb Weaver
- Ortolan Bunting
- Osprey
- Otter
- Owl
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pig
- Pigeon
- Pika
- Pike Fish
- Pine Marten
- Pink Salmon
- Polar Bear
- Pompano Fish
- Pond Skater
- Pool Frog
- Porcupine
- Puffin
- Purple Emperor Butterfly
- Puss Moth
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Raccoon
- Raccoon Dog
- Rat
- Red Deer
- Redstart
- Reindeer
- River Turtle
- Robin
- Rodents
- Roe Deer
- Rooster
- Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)
- Sable Ferret
- Salamander
- Sand Crab
- Sand Lizard
- Scorpion
- Sea Eagle
- Seahorse
- Sheep
- Short-Eared Owl
- Shrew
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Slow Worm
- Slug
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Snail
- Snake
- Snowy Owl
- Song Thrush
- Spadefoot Toad
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Squirrel
- Stick Insect
- Stoat
- Stork
- Swallowtail Butterfly
- Swan
- Swedish Elkhound
- Swedish Lapphund
- Swedish Vallhund
- Tawny Owl
- Termite
- Thornback Ray
- Thrush
- Tick
- Tiger Beetle
- Tiger Moth
- Tortoise
- Tree Frog
- Turtles
- Ural owl
- Viper
- Vulture
- Wasp
- Water Buffalo
- Water Vole
- Weasel
- White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
- White-Tailed Eagle
- Wild Boar
- Willow Warbler
- Wolf
- Wolf Spider
- Wolverine
- Woodlouse
- Woodlouse Spider
- Woodpecker
- Woolly Rhinoceros
- Worm
- Wryneck
- Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)
- Yellowhammer
- Zebra Mussels
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Animals Live in Sweden?
Sweden’s animals thrive in cool, wintry conditions. You can expect to see moose, beavers and gray wolves. Sweden has arctic foxes and red foxes.
Reindeer are native to Sweden. So are red deer, fallow deer and roe deer.
Frogs, newts and toads are among the reptiles you’ll find. Its small mammals include lemmings, pine martens and squirrels.
Gray seals, harbor seals and ringed seals swim in Sweden’s coastal waters.
Besides wildlife, Sweden has domestic animals, including goats, sheep and donkeys. The Yule goat is an important part of Swedish Christmas celebrations.
Sweden has Europe’s highest rate of insurance for domestic pets. More than 50% of cats, dogs and horses have pet insurance.
How Many Animals Are There in Sweden?
Sweden has many unique native animals, including:
- 73 mammal species.
- 240 breeding birds and 60 non-breeding birds.
- 12 species of amphibian and 6 of reptile.
- 56 freshwater fish.
- Over 100 marine animals.
What Dangerous Animals Live in Sweden?
There are few animal attacks on humans in Sweden. There are no recorded deaths from wild boars, wolverines, lynxes or wolves.
Wasp: Wasps kill more humans than any other animal in Sweden. About one person dies each year from a wasp sting.
Brown bear: Although bears won’t seek people out to attack them, they are aggressive fighters. If they feel threatened, they will attack and kill. Official reports note that bears have been involved in 61 attacks on humans from 1977 to 2019. These usually occurred during hunting trips.
Does Sweden Have Poisonous Snakes?
Sweden is home to the common European adder (Vipera berus). It is the only poisonous snake in Sweden. Its bite is usually not fatal, but it is very painful.