Parks Temporarily Closed in Malaga and Seville Due to Bird Deaths. Authorities in Andalusia have restricted access to several city parks following multiple cases of deaths among waterfowl and other birds. Specialists are carrying out analyses to determine the cause.
Which European Countries Own the Most Dogs: Spain Ranks Among the Top Ten. Recent data show that nearly a third of Spanish households own dogs, but the country lags behind several Eastern European nations in this regard. We take a closer look at where in Europe dogs are most popular as pets and how Spain compares.
First Case of Bird Flu in 2025 Detected in Wild Bird in Catalonia. The first case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu this year has been detected in a dead stork at Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park (Catalonia). Authorities assure that there is no risk to the public or poultry farms, and that monitoring of the situation continues.
Number of Accidents Involving Wild Animals Rising in Spain: Drivers Reminded of Safety Measures. In 2024, the number of accidents involving wild animals has surged on Spanish roads. Authorities are warning drivers about the risks and providing advice on how to avoid collisions with wild boars and deer, aiming to reduce both incidents and injuries.
Balearic Islands Face Wild Pigeon Invasion: Farmers Suffer Losses. The Balearic Islands are witnessing a rapid increase in the wild pigeon population, leading to significant losses in agriculture. Authorities are being forced to implement emergency measures to control bird numbers, aiming to protect crops and reduce risks to infrastructure.
First Case of West Nile Fever Detected in a Horse in the Balearic Islands. The first case of West Nile fever has been recorded in a horse on Menorca. This season, three more cases have been identified in animals and birds in Almería, Barcelona, and Lleida. Authorities are stepping up monitoring and prevention measures to curb the spread of the infection.
Underground Zoo with Rare and Endangered Animals Discovered in Castellón. Police in the province of Castellón have uncovered an illegal zoo housing 150 animals from 56 species, including endangered ones. Two individuals are suspected of trafficking in rare and protected wildlife. Authorities regard the operation as one of the largest crackdowns on wildlife smuggling in Spain.
Eight Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Mallorca for 2025. Mallorca is becoming increasingly welcoming to dog owners: the island now boasts several beaches where you can enjoy time with your pet. We outline which areas are suitable for walks, swimming, and playing with your four-legged friends, and what you should keep in mind when visiting.
Guardamar Beaches in Alicante Closed Due to Sighting of Rare 'Blue Dragon'. Swimming has been temporarily banned at the beaches of Guardamar del Segura in Alicante province following the discovery of two specimens of the rare mollusk Glaucus atlanticus, known as the 'blue dragon.' Authorities have increased safety measures and are urging beachgoers to exercise caution.
Where Are Sharks Most Frequently Spotted in Spain: Regional Analysis. Spain is renowned for its beaches, but in recent years, more tourists and locals have reported an increase in shark sightings along the coast. We examine which regions of the country have the highest likelihood of shark encounters, which species are most common, and how authorities are responding to these incidents.
Torrevieja Continues to Battle Chicken Invasion: City Unable to Resolve Issue for Seven Months. Around 700 chickens and roosters roam freely in the streets and parks of Torrevieja. Despite the authorities' efforts to address the problem, the situation has remained unchanged for over half a year. Residents complain about the noise and the danger to traffic, while the city searches for a new company to catch the birds.
Andalusia Debates Horse Protection from Heat: Only Córdoba Has Restricted Carriage Operations. Debate continues in Andalusia over the protection of horses used in tourist carriages. Only Córdoba has imposed restrictions on working hours during hot weather, while Seville and Málaga have no such measures. Public organizations are calling for stricter regulations to safeguard animal welfare.
A Summer Route to Bastiments Peak: How a Ski Resort Becomes a Paradise for Hikers. During the summer, the ski slopes of the Vallter 2000 resort in Girona transform into scenic hiking trails. Hikers can spot marmots, wild goats, and enjoy the unique landscapes of the Pyrenees on their way to the summit of Bastiments. Here’s what the route is like and what awaits travelers along the way.
Fuengirola Biopark Becomes a Natural Air Conditioner, Shielding from Extreme Andalusian Heat in Summer 2025. Amid the summer heat of 2025, Fuengirola Biopark (Malaga) has turned into a climate oasis. Thanks to dense vegetation and water features, temperatures here are 5 to 12 degrees lower than on city streets, making it a unique refuge from the scorching heat.
Kurota Viewpoint in Galicia: A Unique Vantage Point Over the Atlantic Islands of Cíes, Ons, and Salvora. Nestled in the mountains of Galicia lies a unique viewpoint where, on a clear day, you can see the islands of Cíes, Ons, and Salvora, as well as the region’s largest estuary. Discover where to find this spot offering some of the best panoramic views of Spain’s Atlantic coast.
Hero from Tres Cantos Dies Saving Horses During Major Fire Near Madrid. In Tres Cantos (Madrid), 50-year-old Mircea Spiridon lost his life while trying to save horses from a burning equestrian center. His heroic act sparked a wave of support within the Romanian community, which quickly raised funds to repatriate his body. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Tarragona Municipality Fined Over Bull Incident at Correbou Festival. Catalan authorities have fined the municipality of Sant Jaume d’Enveja after a bull with bound horns ended up in a water canal during a correbou festival. The decision has reignited debates between animal rights advocates and supporters of traditional festivities.
Fire in Montaña Palentina Threatens Unique Brown Bear Reserve. A major wildfire continues to rage in Montaña Palentina, having already destroyed over 3,000 hectares of the natural park. The blaze now threatens a rare brown bear reserve and the region’s historical landmarks. Authorities and local residents are fighting to save the natural environment and nearby settlements.
In Spain, Donkeys Help Prevent Forest Fires: The Doñana Experience. In Spain, donkeys have become an unusual but effective tool in combating forest fires. For ten years, a special unit in Doñana National Park has relied on these animals to create natural barriers against fire. Here’s how the system works and why it’s considered a success.
Hunter in Extremadura Suspected of Causing Death of 32 Dogs from Starvation and Thirst. A scandal has erupted in the small town of Azuaga in southern Extremadura: a local hunter is suspected of causing the death of 32 dogs, allegedly by leaving them without food or water. The public is calling for tougher penalties for animal cruelty, while animal rights activists insist on actual prison terms for those responsible.
