A guide to Iceland’s animals

While they might be one of the most famous Arctic animals, polar bears don’t live in Iceland.

Some have drifted over on sea ice from Greenland and have been spotted on arrival, but sightings are incredibly rare. Polar bears that reach Iceland are often hungry and disoriented. They can’t thrive in Iceland due to the lack of sea ice here and the limited food supply, and relocation is not possible. Due to the risk they pose to people and livestock, they are euthanized by authorities.

You can read about polar bears in Iceland on the webpage of the Natural Science Insitute of Iceland.

There are several animals native to Iceland across the land, sea, and sky. 

The arctic fox is the only native land mammal. A few animals have ‘Icelandic’ in their official name (prime examples include the Icelandic sheepdog and the Icelandic horse), but these were in fact brought over by Viking settlers, and the reindeer was a more recent introduction from Norway. Less-popular animals that have been introduced include the American mink, which escaped from fur farms and prospered.

Iceland has about 80 regular nesting bird species, most of them migratory summer visitors that take advantage of rich coastal waters and abundant insects, such as arctic terns, golden plovers, and Atlantic puffins. Fewer species live in Iceland year‑round, but these hardy birds – including the gyrfalcon, rock ptarmigan, white‑tailed eagle, and raven – are adapted to harsh winters; some, like the ptarmigan, even change to white feathers for winter camouflage.

In terms of sealife, several species of whales, seals, dolphins, and porpoises occur in the waters around Iceland.

No, there are no predators, like wolves or bears, that live in Iceland. The only native land mammal is the arctic fox, and these sweet-looking creatures usually avoid humans and towns (their diet does include ground-nesting birds and bird eggs, however).

Some animals, like reindeer, seals, and arctic terns, have been known to fiercely defend their young, so as with all wild animals, it’s best to keep your distance and follow local guidance to make sure you and the animals are safe.