Wildlife of Latvia

The roe deer is Latvia's smallest and most common ungulate. It lives along forest edges, in thickets, young stands and near fields — wherever food and cover meet.

The wild boar is an omnivore that lives in family groups led by experienced females; adult males often keep to themselves.

The red deer is the largest true deer found in Latvia. It lives in large forest areas mixed with fields and meadows.

The moose is Latvia's largest wild animal. It prefers wet forests, bog edges and young stands, where it browses on branches, bark and shoots of trees and shrubs.

The red fox is one of Latvia's most widespread predators. It is found in forests, farmland and on the edges of towns and villages.

The raccoon dog is a non-native species that arrived in Latvia in the 20th century from East Asia. It prefers wet places — shores, bogs and damp forests.

Two hare species live in Latvia: the brown hare, which prefers open farmland, and the mountain hare, which is more often found in forests and bogs. Huntgate groups them together as “Hare”.

The badger is one of the largest members of the weasel family in Latvia. It lives in extensive setts used over many generations, usually dug in forests and on hillsides.

The Eurasian lynx is the only wild cat species in Latvia. It lives in large, quiet forest areas and is a secretive loner with a big territory.