Are There Bears In Iceland? + Other Dangerous Animals In Iceland
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and wondering what kind of wildlife you might encounter, you’re definitely not alone. I asked the same questions! And, as I had plans to camp in Iceland, one question in particular… Are there bears in Iceland?
The short answer? Nope—not native ones. But the long answer is a bit more interesting.
So… Are There Bears in Iceland?
My first assumption was that there are polar bears in Iceland… but that is a common misconception that isn’t true.
It turns out having a rugged landscape and being located near the North Pole aren’t the only criteria for whether or not there are bears in Iceland.
No, There aren’t Native Bears In Iceland
Unlike places like Canada or the U.S., Iceland doesn’t have a bear population. There are no native bears roaming the countryside, hiking trails, or glaciers.
That’s largely because Iceland is a remote island formed by volcanic activity and didn’t evolve with large land mammals like bears.
In fact, there are very few species of mammals in Iceland at all.
The only native mammal is the Arctic Fox – but you’ll also find some non-native mammals like reindeer, Icelandic cattle, Icelandic horses, and the American mink.
But There Have Been Occasional Polar Bear Sightings
Here’s where it gets a little wild: once in a while, polar bears do show up in Iceland. How? They drift over on sea ice from Greenland.
These sightings are super rare (usually only once every few years at most) and when it happens, it’s big news.
The polar bears are typically emaciated, disoriented, and considered a danger to locals, livestock and the fragile ecosystem.
Without any natural predators in Iceland, there’s a big concern that one lost polar bear could do a significant amount of damage to the animal populations that aren’t used to fleeing from predators.
That means, unfortunately, that polar bears in Iceland are euthanized shortly after arriving.
While Iceland has considered rehabilitating and relocating the polar bears, the cost is upward of $85,000 per polar bear.
If you’re hiking in Iceland, you’re not going to stumble across a bear. There are no bears in the Highlands, Westfjords, or Ring Road areas.
So, there are no bears in Iceland. But what about other types of dangerous animals?
Are There Dangerous Animals in Iceland?
As someone who has spent a lot of time in grizzly territory, and worse – cougar territory – I can confidently say this is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel through without stressing about wildlife danger.
Iceland’s isolation means the animal kingdom here is pretty tame.
There are no bears, cougars, wolves, or other large predators.
Even better, there are no poisonous insects or spiders.
Are There Snakes In Iceland?
No snakes in Iceland! Not even non-venomous ones. New Zealand and Hawaii are snake-free too!
The reason there are no native snakes in Iceland comes down to geography, climate, and isolation. Iceland’s long winters and cold summers aren’t suitable for reptiles like snakes to survive and reproduce in the wild.
It’s not just the cold though (otherwise New Zealand and Hawaii would have snakes) – it’s also the isolation.
Because Iceland is far from mainland Europe and North America, and was formed by volcanic activity (so it was not connected to any continent by a land bridge), animals like snakes simply never made it here on their own.
You won’t even find pet snakes in Iceland. Icelanders are extremely protective of their fragile ecosystems, so introducing non-native species (even reptiles in captivity) is illegal.
Iceland Mosquitos & Ticks
One of the things Iceland is known for is having no disease-carrying bugs like ticks or mosquitoes in Iceland! Yes, really—there are no mosquitoes in Iceland! (Although we’re still not exactly sure why not)
However, be prepared for midges in the summer time. While many of them do not bite, there are a few species that do. Either way, they’ll swarm you and can be quite obnoxious if you’re trying to hike or spend time outdoors.
What Could Be Dangerous In Iceland?
While wildlife isn’t a major concern, here are a couple things to be aware of:
Arctic Terns
These little seabirds are extremely territorial during nesting season (May to July) and will dive-bomb your head if you get too close. Some sources even say they’ll aim droppings at you if they feel threatened! Bring a hat and keep your distance.
Sheep on Roads
It sounds funny, but free-roaming sheep on narrow roads can cause serious accidents. Always slow down in rural areas and expect the unexpected.
Arctic Foxes
Arctic Foxes are Iceland’s only native land mammal. They’re extremely shy and usually steer clear of humans, but don’t try to approach or feed them.
Weather
At the end of the day, the most dangerous thing in Iceland is probably the weather—not the wildlife.
During my trip to Iceland I didn’t see much wildlife at all, but I did get caught in an early snowstorm that iced the outside of my car and made it nearly impossible to open the doors from the inside.
Always check current road conditions before leaving – especially if you’re driving on Icelands F Roads! Weather can change very quickly in Iceland, particularly in the highlands.
Sneaker Waves In Iceland
Perhaps one of the most dangerous things in Iceland, particularly for tourists who aren’t familiar with the phenomenon, are sneaker waves.
Sneaker names are unpredictable waves that surge up the beach without warning. They are extremely dangerous and drag people out to sea every year.
They get their name because they “sneak” up on you, and don’t mimic the same flow as other waves in the set.
The waves can surge up to 150 feet up the beach, without warning, and have an incredibly strong current that can knock you off your feet, then sweep you into the cold sea.
Do not turn your back on the ocean or get too close to the waterline. Sneaker waves are not a rare occurrence, they are regular and deadly along Icelands coast.
TIP: Skip the beaches and soak in these best geothermal hot springs in Iceland instead!
Animals In Iceland
While you won’t find bears, Iceland is home to plenty of other unique wildlife. Here’s what you might run into instead:
- Arctic foxes – Iceland’s only native land mammal
- Reindeer – Introduced in the 18th century, mainly in the East Fjords
- Sheep – Everywhere. Seriously. They outnumber people!
- Birds – Puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds are a big deal in Iceland
- Seals and whales – Common along the coasts and great for sightseeing tours
If you’re camping or hiking, you’re way more likely to be bothered by wind and sudden weather shifts than by any animals in Iceland.
