Are There Any Dangerous Animals in Iceland?

When you hear the term "dangerous animals," you tend to conjure images of venomous reptiles and clawed predators. But there are no animals in Iceland that are poisonous, venomous, or harmful. So in the traditional sense, there aren’t really any dangerous animals in Iceland, apart from one species of wasp and bees (if you’re allergic!)

However, there are animals in Iceland that can be a nuisance and some that can harm the ecosystem. Here, we'll talk you through some of the more troublesome creatures in Iceland and address some of the most common wildlife questions from visitors to the country.

Are There Spiders in Iceland? 

Yes, there are spiders in Iceland, but none of them present any danger. There are about 90 recorded species of spider in Iceland, but none of them bite people, and none are venomous. The most common species are small house and ground spiders that thrive in sheltered outdoor areas or indoors. 

Thanks to Iceland’s cool climate, spiders remain quite small compared to those found in warmer countries. You’re likely to spot them in cottages, cabins, or tucked away in quiet corners, but they are harmless and help to control other insect populations. 

Are There Snakes in Iceland?

There are no snakes in Iceland at all. The island’s isolated location and cold climate mean snakes simply cannot thrive here, and no species have been introduced. Unlike many other countries, you don’t need to worry about stumbling across venomous species while out hiking or exploring the Icelandic wilderness. 

You’re also not going to encounter any snakes kept as pets in Iceland. The country has incredibly strict rules on importing animals to prevent the spread of disease and protect its delicate ecosystem. 

Are there Wolves in Iceland?

Some people picture Iceland’s snowy landscapes and automatically assume that packs of wolves must roam the wilderness. But in reality, there are no wolves in Iceland; there never have been. Unlike parts of mainland Europe or North America, Iceland has no large land predators at all. Harsh climate and an isolated geographical location mean that species like wolves were never able to establish themselves here. 

The lack of large predators makes Iceland’s wilderness perfect for exploring safely, as you won’t encounter any dangerous carnivores. 

Get to Know Some of Iceland’s Animals

While Iceland is better known for amazing whale-watching opportunities, thriving birdlife, and charming Icelandic horses and sheep, some of these lesser-known animals, in some way, present a danger to the fragile ecosystem of this beautiful island.

Midges

While Iceland may not boast a mosquito population, it’s not entirely free of insects! The common tourist spot, Lake Mývatn, which translates to ‘midge lake’, is given this name due to the swarms of lake midges that buzz around during the summer. They don’t bite, but the black fly does. They both swarm when you stand around bodies of water. Black fly bites aren’t very painful by themselves, but they still hurt when you have several. Thankfully, you can avoid them by not standing around still lakes in the height of summer or by wearing insect repellent.

Arctic Tern

The only other animal that could possibly be classified as ‘a bit more than a mild annoyance’ is the Arctic Tern. They nest across Iceland, and watching them swoop to their nests on cliffs is a popular activity. However, don’t walk too close during nesting season, as they are incredibly protective and will swoop, dive, scream, peck, and send droppings flying your way. You should be safe, though, as the Tern is a protected species and you shouldn’t be approaching their colonies anyway. It’s always best to admire them from a safe distance.

Polar Bear

An animal that people sometimes mistakenly believe to exist in Iceland is the polar bear. You are extremely unlikely to see one in Iceland, as they aren’t native. However, on a couple of occasions, they have floated over on icebergs from Greenland. Polar bears are dangerous, so if you see one, you shouldn’t approach. Iceland has considered capturing, healing, and then returning the polar bears to where they come from, but that costs upwards of 75,000 Euros ($87,500/£65,000). So instead, if this is ever to happen again, they would be killed upon arrival.

Mink

The other animal that is allowed to be killed with impunity in Iceland (though animal welfare laws say they must be killed humanely) is the mink. First brought to Iceland for fur farming, many have escaped over the years and have turned feral. They can harm native Icelandic birdlife, attacking birds and eggs, which can cause the breeding behaviour to change. They are also known for stealing chickens across the country. Iceland did once try to completely eradicate the species, but gave up on the effort and deemed it futile.

attacking the birds, eggs, and causing the breeding behaviour to change, and stealing chickens across the country. Iceland did try to completely eradicate the species but gave it up as futile.

Rabbits

Whilst they don’t have the same kill order as minks, rabbits are considered an invasive species if not kept at home as a pet. In 2010, someone released a few pet rabbits near Reykjavík, and a population boom followed. The current rabbit population is descended from those pets, and now they have a similar destructive impact on the environment due to their high breeding rates. They now harm farms, attack occupied puffin burrows (harming their breeding patterns), foul animal feed, destroy property, and more. Don’t feed the rabbits when you see them, even though it can be tempting.

Reindeer

Reindeer do live in Iceland and were also originally brought for farming. They soon became wild, and now there are roughly 6000-7000 reindeer in the East and North-East. A number of reindeer hunting permits are issued each year, depending on the population of male and female reindeer. Their population is seasonally controlled because they take grazing land from sheep and could cause damage to the economy in a bad winter or with a volcanic eruption, both of which are known to happen in Iceland.

Arctic Fox

The only mammal that is native to Iceland is the Arctic Fox, a protected species in Hornstrandir in the north of Iceland. However, they are small, well-hidden, and will avoid humans, so consider yourself lucky if you spot one in the wild! Their human avoidance is best known by their odd distaste of fences, where they will avoid going through a fence at any cost. If you want to learn more about the fox, you can visit the Arctic Fox Center in the village of Súðavík in the Westfjords.

Farm Animals

These are likely the most common types of animals you will see on a road trip around the country. Like any country, you shouldn’t antagonise the farm animals while walking on their land, as getting rammed by a sheep will hurt, despite their fluffy appearance. However, you must also be cautious when driving around Iceland, as they may cross the roads, so keep an eye out when driving. Hitting them will hurt the animal, damage your rental car, and probably also harm you.

Getting out and exploring Iceland is the best way to experience the natural beauty of the island, including its fascinating animal life. Find out more about what you could see and experience while driving around Iceland.