Sheep

As sheep are seen EVERYWHERE on the island, this sign is almost unnecessary.
Icelanders and sheep have lived tightly over centuries and there is a special relationship towards these animals. Some years ago the government has put in charge a new regulation program for the sheep farmers. The consequence was that many sheep farmers gave up the farming. Nevertheless each Icelander is allowed to own 10 sheep without falling into the new regulation policy - so important are these animals to this nation.
As a breed, the Iceland Sheep is unique - the purity of the strain has been protected by centuries of isolation and a total absence of contact with others.


Usually the sheep can be seen in groups of three: the mother with her 2 lambs.
From the brochure: How to drive in Iceland
"In Iceland, you can expect livestock to be on or alongside the road. It is usually sheep, but sometimes horses and even cows can be in your path. This is common all over the country, and can be very dangerous. (Now note the following sentence - wonderful :o)) Sometimes a sheep is on one side of the road and her lambs on the other side. Under these conditions - which are common - it is a good rule to expect the lambs or the sheep to run to the other side. (amazing - nobody would have guessed! :o))
Unfortunately as tradition is often abandoned, many Icelanders now have their sheep on fenced paddocks.