Sweden’s vast landscape, stretching over 1,500 kilometers from the mild south to the subarctic north, creates a remarkable diversity of animal life. This extensive geographical range encompasses dense boreal forests, high mountain tundra, thousands of freshwater lakes, and an expansive coastline along the Baltic and North Seas. Over half of the country is covered by forest, primarily the coniferous taiga, which provides habitat for both large, iconic mammals and smaller woodland species. The varied climate allows for a rich mix of European and Arctic fauna to coexist across these distinct ecological zones.
The Iconic Large Mammals
The Swedish wilderness is defined by its large mammals, with the Moose (Alces alces) standing out as the largest land mammal and a national symbol. This herbivore is prevalent throughout the forested regions, with a summer population estimated between 250,000 and 400,000 individuals. Moose are solitary, mainly forage on terrestrial and aquatic plants, and are typically most active at dawn and dusk.
The Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) represents Sweden’s largest predator, primarily inhabiting the dense forests of the central and northern two-thirds of the country. The stable population is estimated at around 2,800 individuals. These omnivores are shy and enter a period of hibernation from late autumn to early spring.
The Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) is Sweden’s only wild cat species, with a population estimated between 1,250 and 1,450. This solitary hunter preys on small to medium-sized mammals such as European hares and roe deer in its forested habitat. The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) population is smaller, numbering around 400 to 500 individuals, and is concentrated in the southern central parts of the country. Wolves are social canids that primarily hunt larger prey like moose and deer, playing a significant role in ecosystem health.
Common Forest and Woodland Dwellers
The expansive coniferous and mixed woodlands are home to many smaller animals. The European Pine Marten (Martes martes) is an agile, arboreal predator found across these forests, utilizing its semi-retractable claws to climb and hunt. This mustelid is largely nocturnal or crepuscular, preying on small rodents, birds, and insects, with a diet that is flexible based on seasonal availability.
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the European Hare (Lepus europaeus) are widespread, thriving in both the dense forest and at the edges of clearings. The Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is the largest grouse species, favoring mature, well-structured conifer forests with a rich understory of bilberry. Capercaillie are mainly ground-dwelling birds.
The smaller Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) prefers dense, younger spruce forest stands that feature openings and a deciduous component, particularly alder, for foraging. Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) are also a common sight in the pine and spruce forests, where they feed on seeds, nuts, and fungi.
Aquatic and Coastal Species
Sweden’s extensive coastline and over 100,000 lakes support a diverse aquatic and marine fauna. The Baltic Sea, characterized by its low salinity, hosts unique populations of marine mammals, including the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida). The Ringed Seal is represented by a specific Baltic subspecies adapted to the brackish conditions.
Along the more saline western coast, the Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) is more common, particularly in the archipelagos of the North Sea. The Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is the only cetacean that breeds in Swedish waters, though its population in the Baltic Sea is small and vulnerable. Coastal and freshwater systems are rich in fish, including the predatory Northern Pike (Esox lucius) and the European Perch (Perca fluviatilis).
Anadromous species like Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) migrate through the Baltic and up rivers to spawn. Coastal birds like the Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) are prominent, nesting in large colonies on the archipelagos. The brackish nature of the Baltic leads to a mix of marine species, such as European Flounder, and freshwater species, like Roach, which tolerate the low salt levels.
Specialized Northern and Mountain Fauna
The northern region of Norrland and the Scandinavian mountain range (Scandes) present a subarctic environment where animals have have developed adaptations for extreme cold. The Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is the most notable species, existing in both wild and semi-domesticated herds managed by the indigenous Sámi people. These cervids undertake long seasonal migrations between mountain heaths and forested lowlands to find forage.
The Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) is a specialized resident of the high alpine tundra. This species is rare, with only a few hundred individuals, and its population success is closely tied to the cyclic abundance of lemmings and other small rodents which form its primary prey. Their coat changes color seasonally, from white in winter to brownish-grey in summer, providing camouflage against the changing landscape.
The Wolverine (Gulo gulo) is a mustelid known for its strength and endurance, roaming remote mountain and forest areas in the north. Wolverines are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers, often consuming carrion. They are also capable of hunting larger prey, including small reindeer, especially in winter.