Iceland’s Wildlife: A Unique Mix of Animals
Iceland has a small but distinctive collection of wild mammals. The Arctic fox is Iceland’s only native land mammal, likely arriving during the Ice Age. Other mammals, such as mice and rats, arrived with Viking explorers, while mink were introduced for fur farming in 1931 but quickly escaped and adapted to the wild. In recent years, rabbits have also joined Iceland’s wildlife after being released into the forests by pet owners. The largest wild mammal in Iceland, however, is the reindeer. Imported and released across Iceland, they now thrive mainly in the East, where they found suitable conditions for survival.
The Majestic Reindeer in Iceland’s Nature
Reindeer, with their elegance and grandeur, bring a striking presence to Iceland's landscape. The rutting season, when bulls compete for mates, begins in mid-September and lasts until just after Christmas. During this time, the bulls become fiercely territorial, devoting all their energy to attracting and defending their group of cows. Fights between bulls can even turn deadly. For much of the rutting season, bulls eat very little, resulting in a thin, haggard appearance as they protect their groups. Female reindeer, or cows, carry their calves for around seven and a half months. Most give birth to a single calf in early summer, as they can typically only produce enough milk for one.
The Unique Antlers and Herd Dynamics
Reindeer antlers are remarkable. In summer, they’re covered in soft velvet, but by autumn, the velvet sheds, leaving hardened antlers for defense. Bulls drop their antlers after the rut, while pregnant cows keep theirs until after calving, which usually happens between late May and early June. This allows pregnant cows to have priority access to food when they need it most.
Reindeer often travel in herds of 100 to 200 animals. They are incredibly fast, running up to 60–80 km/h to escape threats. Their hollow fur offers excellent insulation, allowing them to withstand temperatures as low as -40°C. This unique fur also helps them swim up to 10 kilometers, even in the ocean or in glacial rivers. Although reindeer have limited vision, their sense of smell is highly developed, allowing them to detect food beneath snow as deep as 60 cm.
Seasonal Movements and the Hunting Season
During winter, reindeer migrate to lower elevations, where they remain until late summer before moving back to higher ground around mid-June to find fresh food like plant roots and moss. Ironically, this migration aligns with hunting season, which begins in mid-July. Hunting is permitted only in remote areas, far from towns and main roads.
To maintain a healthy population, Iceland issues annual hunting permits, as reindeer have no natural predators on the island. Reindeer meat has become a popular Christmas delicacy in Iceland.
The Hunting Process: A Carefully Regulated Activity
Hunting reindeer in Iceland is a strictly controlled process. First, hunters need a firearms license and must apply for a permit, granted through a lottery system. Successful applicants must pass a shooting test to confirm their ability to hunt ethically.
Once approved, hunters book a guide for their designated area. Guides often notify hunters when reindeer herds are spotted, reducing time spent searching. Due to Iceland’s rugged terrain, hunters typically bring porters to help transport the meat. Some guides work with local butchers, who prepare and vacuum-pack the meat, allowing hunters to take it home, ready for the table or freezer.
Reindeer are a unique and resilient part of Iceland’s wildlife, adapted to the country’s harsh environment. Their seasonal migrations, role in Icelandic culture, and sustainable hunting practices highlight their importance in both nature and tradition.
