In recent decades, the golden jackal (Canis aureus) has expanded its range westwards and northwards in Europe. In this study, we present genetic and morphological data on the first golden jackal collected north of the Arctic Circle. An adult male was shot after having been captured in a leg snare set for foxes near Sodankylä in Finland. It was a large-sized animal in good body condition, showing no signs of hybridization with other canids. The stomach contents included fish bones, likely obtained from an anthropogenic source, as well as remains of a galliform bird. This finding suggests that golden jackals are able to survive harsh winters, allowing them to extend their distribution range to the northernmost parts of Europe