By the pyreneestravel.com team · Updated 8 October 2026 · Nature
The Pyrenees are one of Europe's great wildlife refuges, especially for birds of prey.
Vultures and raptors
Griffon vultures are common over almost every valley. Look also for the Egyptian vulture in summer, golden eagles and the rare lammergeier (bearded vulture), which drops bones from height to break them. The Mallos de Riglos and Ordesa are excellent places to watch.
Marmots and izards
Listen for the whistle of marmots on high pastures from May to September. The izard (sarrio in Spanish), the Pyrenean chamois, is often seen on rocky slopes early in the morning.
Bears
A small population of brown bears, reinforced with bears from Slovenia, lives mainly in the central Pyrenees. Sightings are rare. If you do meet one, keep your distance and back away calmly.
Watching responsibly
- Keep dogs on a lead near livestock and wildlife; large Patou guard dogs protect flocks, so walk calmly around them.
- Never feed wild animals.
- Respect seasonal closures for nesting birds.
Plan your Pyrenees trip
Hotels, tours and transport in one place.
Header photo: Photo: BirdingInSpain, CC BY-SA 3.0
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