Spain is a country with a varied climate. On the one hand, we find Mediterranean conditions in a large extension of its coasts, but, on the other, towards the internal regions, there are changes associated with extreme temperatures, both cold in winter and hot in summer. These climatic aspects, together with regions with different characteristics and the variety of vegetation, make the country have an important animal biodiversity.
Thus, we can find some species that cause problems for people. For this reason, in this article on our site we want to introduce you to the most dangerous animals in Spain. Read on and find out what they are.
Adder asp (Vipera aspis)
This viper, which is found in several European countries, including Spain, has several subspecies. It does not reach a meter in length. The males, although thinner, measure about 85 cm long, while the females are thicker, but usually do not exceed 75 cm. It is a species adapted to different types of ecosystems.
The viper asp produces a quite painful bite and its venom can become deadly, if not treated promptly. Toxins have various serious effects on the human body. That is why it is one of the most dangerous animals in Spain.
If you don't know what to do in the event of a snake bite, read our article Steps to take after a snake bite.
Snouted Viper (Vipera latasti)
This species is distributed over an important part of the Iberian Peninsula. It has a special preference for humid, rocky habitats, dry forests, thickets, but can also be found near dunes near the coast. It is an animal that usually does not measure more than 65 cm, but some larger individuals have been reported.
Not at all aggressive, but it can bite people, especially when it's up in the trees. Although the venom is not as toxic as in the asp viper, it must be treated promptly because it causes significant he alth problems, although its effects do not usually cause death.
Marbled Electric Ray (Torpedo marmorata)
This species is a type of cartilaginous fish that inhabits, among other maritime spaces, the entire Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands, which is why it is present in Spanish areas. It is located on sandy bottoms, seagrass beds and coral reefs. The females are larger than the males and, although they generally do not exceed 60 and 40 cm respectively, they can sometimes reach a meter.
This ray is not deadly nor is it usually aggressive, however, it has the ability to give electric shocks that can cause significant damage to a person, as they are painful and even cause disorientation in the victim.
European black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus)
It is a spider from the group of black widows, characterized by sexual cannibalism by females. It has a wide distribution throughout the Mediterranean region. It mainly inhabits certain crop areas.
In general, its appearance is similar to that of other spiders in the group, but this one is distinguished by some spots on its back that can be red, yellow or orange. The females are larger than the males, measuring up to about 15 mm. The males measure half. Although he does not usually interact with humans, his bite is extremely painful It is not usually fatal, but it does cause certain problems for the victim.
Yellow sac spider (Cheiracanthium punctorium)
This is a species of spider found in various regions of Europe, including Spain. Females are larger than males, measuring about 15 mm and males up to 12. They live in shrubby, herbaceous habitats and warm conditions. Although it is not a spider with a fatal bite, it is painful, causes some reaction in the affected area and treatment is necessary for sensitive people.
Yellow Scorpion (Buthus occitanus)
Although Spain does not have a great diversity of these arthropods, the yellow scorpion or scorpion, as it is also known, is present. As is customary in these animals, it has shy habits, so it is usually sheltered under stones, bushes or other hiding places, coming out at night to hunt.
Unlike other scorpions, it is not lethal to humans, but its sting is quite painful and causes certain conditions in the site of the bite, as well as various discomforts. For this reason, medical attention is necessary in these cases. The most susceptible are usually sensitive people, children and the elderly.
Do you know that scorpions can also sting your dog? We explain it to you in our article What to do if my dog is stung by a scorpion.
Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)
This mosquito is native to Asia, however, given its adaptability to various environments, it currently has a wide global distribution, which includes the Spanish Mediterranean basin. Its name comes from its pattern of black and white stripes, which are easily distinguishable.
The danger of the tiger mosquito lies in the fact of its ability to transmit various types of viruses, as well as other pathogens, causing dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, among others. Although these diseases were unknown in Spain, their presence has been reported for a few years because of this insect.
Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The brown bear is a species that is distributed in America as well as in Asia and Europe, as well as in Spain. Although its population had a significant decrease, it has been recovering for some time. The areas where the brown bear is distributed in Spain include Asturias, Castilla y León, Cantabria and certain areas of Galicia.
It is an animal that can measure up to 2.8 m and weigh between 80 and up to 600 kg, which gives it a lot of strength against a person. They are animals that try to avoid human beings, however, they have an uncertain temperament and, if they feel threatened, especially with young, do not hesitate to attack, which which makes them one of the most dangerous animals in Spain.
Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis)
It is a cnidarian of the hydrozoan class that inhabits various marine ecosystems, including Spanish waters, such as those of Valencia and Alicante, where it is considered a invasive species This false jellyfish prefers warm waters, adapting well to the Mediterranean.
What is observed when part of the body floats in the water is actually a colony and not a single individual. They have a poison capable of causing significant damage to people. Although the toxin can rarely be lethal, it does cause certain complications that must be treated quickly because, in addition to skin damage, the most urgent thing is inflammation of the victim's respiratory tract, as well as heart problems.
Greater billfish (Trachinus draco)
This fish is also known as spider fish or scorpion fish. It inhabits, among other marine spaces, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, specifically in muddy sea beds where it is common for it to burrow. The problem with this fish is that it can go unnoticed by a swimmer and, by burrowing in shallow areas, it leaves out its poisonous spines, loaded with a powerful poison that causes almost unbearable painon the person. The problems associated with the bite of this animal can last for days and, in some cases, even be fatal. The handling of this animal by fishermen also poses a significant risk.
Other dangerous animals in Spain
- Bastard snake.
- Escolopendra.
- Cantabrian viper.
- Assassin bug.
- Luminescent Jellyfish.
- Measure Jellyfish.
- Butterfly stripe.
- Wild pig.
