Species in 

The WildernessThe Wilderness

Known as “the flying door,” it is Europe’s largest eagle. It feeds on fish, birds, and carrion and is often seen over large wetlands or around the biggest waterways. Tip: When all the birds on the lake suddenly take flight—look up! Seen: All year

The lapwing nests on the ground but performs world-class aerial acrobatics. Tip: You can hear its distinctive call: “vuii-o-vuiip-vip-vip-euvi.” Seen: All year, but mostly March–October

Drums 20 times per second and wears down three beaks per year. A keystone species that creates nesting cavities for other hole-nesting birds. Tip: Look for its “woodpecker workshops,” where cones are wedged into tree crevices. Seen: All year

Stores acorns as food reserves and is one of the species that helps spread trees across the landscape. Tip: This agile bird is often seen flying between trees. Seen: All year

A keystone species that digs dens used by other animals, such as the common shelduck. Tip: In the Wilderness, you can find fox dens that contribute to landscape diversity. Seen: All year

A true rewilding bird. The name Lanius comes from the Latin word for “butcher.” This “butcher bird” lives up to its name by impaling insects on thorns. Tip: Look for it in open landscapes, flying between thorny bushes. Seen: May–September

A strikingly white heron that prowls both water and land, feeding on everything from fish to rodents. Tip: Look for them roosting in trees at dusk, adding to an African-like atmosphere. Seen: May–September

The leopard of the beetle world! It hunts on warm sand surfaces and uses its long legs to stay above the scorching 50-degree ground. Tip: They are fast, but you can spot the emerald-green beetles on the sand. Seen: April–July

A rare and southeastern species with a strong population on Lolland and in the Wilderness. Tip: You can recognize it by the distinct dark stripe along its back. Seen: All year

An owl you can spot before bedtime! It is diurnal and prefers open, undisturbed landscapes. Tip: If you're lucky, you might see it gliding among wild horses at sunset. Seen: April–October

An eastern species that is protected and listed in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Tip: You can hear the toad whistling in the wetlands of the Wilderness in spring. Seen: April–September

A true climate species, spreading northward as temperatures rise. Tip: Look for its webs in reeds and its striking warning colors. Seen: July–October

Denmark’s "anaconda." The grass snake easily grows over 100 cm long, with the longest recorded individual in Denmark measuring 132 cm. Tip: Keep an eye out along ditches and ponds where it hunts and basks in the sun. Seen: March–October

One of the fastest butterflies. Tip: You might spot it near its larval food plants—tormentil is a favorite. Seen: April–June

Migrates between Denmark and Africa in spring and autumn. Tip: Listen for them as they pass over the wilderness, or spot them foraging among horses and cattle. Seen: March–October

Loves forest edges and gives birth to live young. Tip: You can hear them rustling in the undergrowth. Seen: March–October

Nature’s undertaker, feeding on dead mice by burying them. Tip: To find carrion beetles, follow your nose! Seen: June–September

A true predator and one of the fastest slugs. It is a hermaphrodite that eats plants and other slugs. Tip: During mating season, you can see them hanging from trees on slime threads in the evening. Seen: April–September

A heat-loving frog that takes advantage of any water body that meets its needs. Tip: From April, you’ll hear a chorus of croaking in the wetlands. Seen: April–September