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The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The most dangerous creatures lurking in top sunshine spots loved by Irish tourists – and how to avoid holiday hell
WITH the summer season just days away, many will be jetting off for holidays abroad in search of some warmer weather. But one thing that may not be on your mind is the dangerous creatures that can sometimes live in these places. Advertisement From horror shark attacks to insect bites, there are countless things to be aware of. It is believed that between 47 and 70 people are attacked by sharks each year, unprovoked. And hundreds of thousands more are bitten by a variety of insects causing an array of So if you're heading on Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL SPAIN Asp Viper 23 The Asp Viper is one of Europe's most venomous snakes Credit: Alamy Spain has a very large wildlife ecosystem, and some can be potentially dangerous to humans. First up is one of With a distinctive triangular head and a stout body, they are usually shy but can bite if threatened. Advertisement The venom includes hemotoxins that can cause pain, swelling, nausea, and in rare and severe cases, death. Most read in Family To prevent a bite, wear sturdy boots, stick to marked paths and be careful when moving rocks. Mediterranean Black Widow 23 The Mediterranean black widow Credit: Alamy Next is the Mediterranean Black Widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) which is found throughout the country, especially in the Mediterranean in warm environments like gardens, fields and low shrubbery. Advertisement This is one of the most venomous spiders throughout Europe, and a bite can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Females are more dangerous than males and can be spotted by their black, bulbous body with red markings. Ensure that you are careful in areas where they are common, and always check clothes that have been left outside. Iberian Lynx 23 The Iberian lynx is mainly found in Southern Spain Credit: Alamy Advertisement Also found in Spain is the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus), which is mainly found in southern Spain, especially in the Sierra Morena and Doñana National Park. It is one of the rarest and most endangered wild cats in the world, and it is usually a solitary creature so doesn't really interact with humans - but if it did, it's sharp claws and teeth could cause harm. To avoid threatening the Lynx, keep a safe distance and don't approach it. PORTUGAL Poisonous Spiders 23 The Brown Recluse Spider is one of Portugal's most venomous spiders Credit: Alamy Advertisement The largest is the Desertas Wolf Spider which is only found in the woods on the island of Both other spiders are commonly found in urban areas including Bites from these Advertisement You should be careful when in dark and quiet places like sheds for Black Widows, which have an hourglass shape on their back. To avoid the Brown Recluse, which has a shape of a violin on its back, you should check your shoes and shake them out before putting them on, as this is where they tend to hide. Processionary Caterpillar 23 A nest of Processionary caterpillars Credit: Alamy You should be wary of caterpillars, as the processionary caterpillar's hairs can cause severe allergic reactions if touched or breathed in. Advertisement This is because their bodies are covered in tiny, barbed hairs that are filled with a toxic protein called thaumetopoein. Nests and the insects are commonly seen between February and April in pine forests and more rural areas. You should ensure to stay away from these nests and caterpillars. Poisonous Snakes 23 The Seoane's Viper is one of the poisonous snakes in Portugal Credit: Alamy Advertisement There are two poisonous snakes in Portugal, including the Seoane's Viper and Lataste's Viper. These are found in rural areas away from human and The snakes thankfully usually stay out of people's way - but still, ensure not to approach them. Ensure you wear proper boots when hiking, and keep to the marked trails. Advertisement FRANCE Asian Hornet 23 Asian Hornet is larger than a bee and wasp Credit: Alamy The Asp Viper is also found in Another dangerous This is one of the 400 invasive species recorded in the country, and is larger than both a bee and a wasp. Advertisement Its bite can be more painful than that of a bee or wasp, and can cause severe reactions or even death in those who are allergic to them. To avoid them, stay away from nests and avoid attracting them by not leaving food or drinks outside and covering your food if eating outdoors. Ticks 23 Ticks can cause Lyme Disease Credit: Alamy You can also find ticks in France, with the danger growing in recent years. Advertisement There are around 40 species of ticks in France, with 15 to 20 per cent of them found to carry the They can be found in forests, wooded and long meadow grass, and even public and private gardens. To avoid them, stay on marked paths and out of long grass, and ensure to use insect repellent. Scolopendrid Centipede 23 The large Scolopendrid Centipede is common to rocky areas Credit: Alamy Advertisement Keep an eye out for the scolopendrid centipede, which can be found in French West Indies and the south of mainland France, along the They will attack if they feel that they are in danger, and if they bite humans can cause pain and severe swelling. To avoid any interactions with them, keep a clean and tidy area and use insect repellent. AMERICA Arizona Bark Scorpion 23 The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most dangerous in the USA Credit: Alamy Advertisement Scorpions found in The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most dangerous in the USA, and carries a potentially lethal sting. It is found in the Sonoran Desert, particularly in Arizona, southern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, western New Mexico, Baja California, Sonora, and Chihuahua, In the 1980's there were over 800 deaths in Mexico from the Bark scorpion. Advertisement Bears 23 Grizzly bears can reach 10ft Credit: Alamy There are different species of bears in the USA, and they are not cute and cuddly as portrayed in cartoons. The brown bear and grizzly bear are the two most dangerous in America, though all of them have the capability to be dangerous. The grizzly bear reaches 10ft and has very strong teeth. Advertisement Though they mainly avoid human contact, if you see one you shouldn't run as they can reach very fast speeds of up to 40mph. Instead, avoid eye contact and slowly back away, or play dead while protecting your head and neck. If black bears feel threatened, they will attack - so you should avoid them at all costs. Coyotes 23 Coyotes have attacked 160 people in California over 30 years Credit: Alamy Advertisement Coyotes are often referred to in To avoid an attack, focus on prevention and be aware of your surroundings - and don't walk in areas where they are known to be active, especially at dawn or dusk. AUSTRALIA Shark 23 Every year there are around 20 unprovoked shark attacks in Australia Credit: Alamy Advertisement Possibly the most well-known and dangerous animal in There are several species, but only the Great White Shark, Tiger Shark and Bull Shark present a lethal threat to humans. Every year there are around 20 unprovoked shark attacks in Australia. To avoid them, you should stay on or near the shore, and avoid swimming at dawn or dusk. Try to swim on beaches where there are lifeguards, and avoid murky waters or anywhere with a fishing sign. Advertisement Box Jellyfish 23 The Box Jellyfish has potent venom Credit: Alamy Another dangerous animal is the Box jellyfish, which have potent venom. They are known for their cube-shaped bell and while there are over 50 species of them, and a few can cause death. They are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific and northern Australia. Advertisement To avoid a sting, you should stay out of the water during jellyfish season as it can cause paralysis, cardiac arrest, and even death. Estuarine Crocodile 23 The Estuarine Crocodile is known for extreme force Credit: Alamy You should also be aware of the Estuarine crocodile, which is found in rivers, estuaries, creeks, swamps, lagoons, and billabongs in the Solomon Islands, waterways from Rockhampton in Queensland, coastal Northern Territory and King Sound, near Broome in Western Australia. They are known for their extreme force, making them potentially lethal to humans. Advertisement In order to avoid them, you should have a good idea of where they live, and avoiding swimming in those areas. Don't approach the water's edge, and be cautious when boating or fishing and remember to properly dispose of food and waste. ITALY Silver-Cheeked Toadfish, Lagocephalus sceleratus 23 The silver-cheeked toadfish is very poisonous Credit: Alamy If you're going swimming in Advertisement This species is widespread in the tropical and equatorial belts of both the Indian, Pacific and Mediterranean Oceans. It was first recorded in Italy in 2013 on the island of Lampedusa, before it was found in Sicily, the Sicilian Channel and the Adriatic Sea. The silver-cheeked toadfish is very poisonous, so you should make sure you stay well away. Certain parts of the fish contain tetrodotoxin, which can cause respiratory paralysis and problems in the cardiovascular system. Advertisement There have been fatal cases reported in Atlantic Stargazer, Uranoscopus Scaber 23 The Atlantic Stargazer lives at the bottom of the water Credit: Alamy This fish is found across the Mediterranean Sea, and is very common along Italian coasts. It lives in soft sandy or muddy places at the bottom of the water, between 15 and over 100m. Advertisement Their opercular spines are poisonous and the venom is destroyed by heat. It is one of few fish that can generate an electric charge, so it's advised to stay away. If you are in the water and see one, you should avoid touching it. If you do, you should immerse the area in warm salty water for two hours, or in the sand for 30 minutes. Advertisement Horned Viper 23 The Horned viper is one of the most poisonous in Italy Credit: Alamy This is one of the most poisonous vipers in the Italian region. It is mainly found in the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto provinces in rocky areas, thickets, and sunny areas with vegetation. It is usually very shy and not aggressive unless provoked. Advertisement Its venom damages the victim's nervous system, and contains hemotoxins. So if bitten, you may experience pain, swelling, dizziness, and discoloration may be immediate. To avoid it, you should stay out of their habitats, wear protective clothing including thick boots and avoid reaching into dark spaces or flipping over rocks. BELGIUM Fire Salamander 23 The Fire Salamander sprays a toxic substance from behind its eyes Credit: Alamy Advertisement This common animal is black with yellow spots or stripes - some can be almost completely black while for others the yellow is dominant. It is mainly found in areas with moist and deciduous forests along with small streams, including the Sonien Forest in Bites are rare, and when they do happen they are usually not serious. But when endangered, they spray a toxic substance, Samandarine, from glands behind the eyes which can cause serious health issues. Advertisement To avoid them, stay on marked paths in forests, avoid touching them, and make sure dogs are kept on leads. Common Adder 23 The Common Adder is the only poisonous snake in Belgium Credit: Alamy This is Belgium's only poisonous snake and is a member of the Viperidae species. It is mainly found in heathlands, moorlands, and woodland edges. Advertisement If bitten, symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it's rarely fatal - though you should seek medical attention. Initial symptoms include pain, swelling, redness and bruising. More serious symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock. Though luckily, it normally avoids humans - but it's important to keep your distance. Advertisement Stay on footpaths, keep dogs on a lead and if you see one, stay calm and let it move away on its own. CANADA Moose 23 The Moose can be dangerous to humans Credit: Alamy The moose is regarded one of the most dangerous animals in They are mostly found on the margins of lakes and streams in rocky forest areas and on wooded hillsides in the western ranges. Advertisement They can attack when agitated, and will charge if startled. It weighs around 700kg, so it's important to avoid them. They are more active around dusk and dawn, so remember this and stay aware of your surroundings whether you're driving or hiking. If you do see one, stay calm and give it space, watch for signs that it is agitated including raised hair on its neck and back, pinned back ears, and constant licking of their lips. Advertisement And if it charges at you, run. Prairie Rattlesnake 23 The Prairie Rattlesnake has deadly venom Credit: Alamy This is a very poisonous snake found in Southwestern Canada - especially in Alberta. It has deadly venom, which can be fatal if it bites you, so it's important to stay away. Advertisement If it does bite you, urgent medical attention is very important. Though they usually don't attack normally, it can bite when disturbed or accidentally stepped on. To avoid them, stay on marked paths and avoid potential hiding spots. Wear boots, keep an eye out and listen for the snakes rattle. Advertisement Wolves 23 There are an estimated 60,000 wolves in Canada Credit: Alamy Canada has a significant wolf population, with over 60,000 estimated. They are mostly found in provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. They don't often hunt for humans, but when provoked they can react aggressively. Advertisement Previous attacks have resulted in injuries ranging from scratches and puncture wounds to more severe injuries requiring plastic surgery and even death. To avoid them, maintain a respectful distance, don't feed them, avoid enticement, and be aware of your surroundings.
Euronews
04-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
Saved from extinction, the Iberian lynx now faces an uncertain future in Spain
ADVERTISEMENT In a flash, Vírgula bolts from a box and bounds down the hill to freedom. With her distinctive pointy ears and dotted brown coat, the Iberian lynx cuts a dashing sight. The one-year-old female was released on Los Mil Quinientos - a remote country estate in Extremadura in Spain's far west - on Monday. Her first taste of the wild after having been born in captivity as part of a breeding programme to restore her species. That rewilding scheme, which began 20 years ago, closes next year. So the days of lynx releases like Vírgula's are numbered. Related 'Greatest recovery of a cat species ever achieved': Iberian Lynx is no longer on brink of extinction Saving a species facing extinction At the turn of this century, the Iberian lynx was on the edge of extinction in Iberia, its numbers decimated by relentless hunting and diseases ravaging its favourite foodstuff: the rabbit. With less than 100 individuals known to be alive, lynx pardinus was about to share the fate of the dodo. So began LIFE Lynx Connect, a multi-million euro project backed by the European Union, the Spanish and Portuguese governments, regional authorities and private companies, which has saved this wild cat. Since 2005, lynx have been reared in captivity then released into the wild in areas stocked with rabbits across southern Spain and Portugal . Initially seen as a pest, conservationists convinced rural communities and hunters that the lynx was actually an asset to the countryside. Lynx numbers reached 2,021 according to a 2023 census. From being classed as at risk of extinction, it is now vulnerable, according to an IUCN update from 2024. Related Czechia's €1m dam built for free by beavers: Here's where else they're doing good work Now the lynx faces an uncertain future With the LIFE Lynx Connect project coming to an end in 2026, this most photogenic feline faces an uncertain future. Rewilding of the carnivorous wild cat has met with resistance in Catalonia, Aragon and parts of Castilla y Leon in northern Spain. Farmers in Zamora, a region famous for its wolf population, do not welcome another predator even though the lynx never kills livestock. In Aragon, in eastern Spain, the conservative People's Party rules in conjunction with the hard-right Vox party , which opposes the return of the lynx. Farmers in Catalonia staged a demonstration with their tractors in February and forced the Catalan regional government to drop plans to bring back the lynx. ADVERTISEMENT Despite a plague of rabbits devouring crops in agricultural areas like Lleida, farmers believe the lynx would make things worse, even though the rabbit is the feline's favourite dinner. Mar Ariza, a 27-year-old farmer from Revolta Pagesa, points to a 2024 study in the Journal for Nature Conservation, which found that lynx actually increase rabbit populations in some areas. The report said lynx act as 'natural gamekeepers' - preying on weaker or younger rabbits but not reducing the overall rabbit population. The same study found that lynx reduce red fox, stone marten and other predators. Vírgula, a one-year-old Iberian lynx, embraces freedom after her release on 28 April 2025. Proyecto LIFE Lynx Connect Despite the opposition to rewilding the feline, Maria Jesús Palacios, who leads lynx conservation programmes in Extremadura, believes the feline's future is assured. ADVERTISEMENT 'We have managed to make hunters see that the lynx helps them because it is a super predator and it helps to regulate the countryside by eliminating any other rivals,' she told Euronews Green. 'When we started this project they did not believe us. But they have been able to see with their own eyes that this is a reality.' Palacios said she believed that opposition among farmers in parts of Spain would wane and said regional authorities would back conservation projects in the future. Felipe García works for regional authorities in Extremadura protecting the lynx but at weekends indulges his hobby of hunting. He shows off his photographs of deer and rabbit hunts. ADVERTISEMENT 'I think that it is good that hunters can now see that the lynx can be good for the countryside and is not a pest. It kills off foxes and other rivals who would prey on rabbits,' he said. Related An Estonian wolf hunt took me deep into Europe's culture war over culling the wild species Toxic dust and stressed seals: What the shrinking Caspian Sea could mean for people and nature Once hunted for money, now lynx live in luxury At the turn of the 20th century, Spanish hunters could earn nearly 4 pesetas (roughly enough to buy 16kg of bread) for every lynx they killed, as the animal was officially regarded as a pest. Now the animal lives in some of the most exclusive estates in rural Spain which are run for hunting. The feline is welcomed by their well-off hosts because it kills rival predators like foxes . An 8,000-hectare estate in Valencia de las Torres, in the south of Extremadura, has about 60 lynx, one of the largest communities in Spain. ADVERTISEMENT The estate is the property of Sheik Mansour, the owner of Manchester City football club, and it is a paradise for the lynx as it is teeming with rabbits. On La Encomienda estate - about an hour's drive away from Los Mil Quinientos - we waited at the top of a hill looking for lynx. Suddenly the rural agent's radio went Beep!, beep!, beep! A lynx, wearing an electronic collar as many of the animals are tracked, was close. Quietar, a three-year-old female, suddenly popped up in front of us, looking almost like a large pet cat, then dashed away. ADVERTISEMENT Related Elephant retirement home: This zoo in Spain is helping elderly animals to age gracefully What does the future hold for the Iberian lynx? Steve Cracknell, a rewilding expert and author of The Improbable Rewilding of the Pyrenees, says that despite resistance to bringing back the lynx, the animal will cross regional borders of its own accord. 'This has been a great success. It was facing extinction and now it has reached a population of 2,000. And it has changed attitudes towards the lynx ,' he adds. Conservationists believe that attitudes not just towards the lynx but also towards domesticated animals have fundamentally changed in Spain in recent decades. Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente, the late naturalist often referred to as the 'Spanish David Attenborough', is credited with beginning this change in mentality in a nation famous - or infamous - for bullfighting . ADVERTISEMENT
