Estonian national animal – the wolf

In 2018, the resilient and clever wolf was declared the national animal of Estonia. They feel right at home in our forests and on our bog islands. As a brave animal that protects its family and territory and values privacy, the wolf is the perfect national animal to symbolise Estonia and Estonians. Wolves are also very common in our traditions, spells, and folk tales. Throughout the ages, our people have had more than 500 different names for them, such as susi, võsavillem, and kriimsilm. In Estonian nature, they are also considered an indicator species that indicate a holistic ecosystem and the health of forests.