Spain's landscapes, from the mountains of Granada to the wetlands of Doñana and the rugged Atlantic coast of Galicia, are full of wildlife. Encounters with sick, injured, or disoriented animals are not uncommon. While the instinct may be to help, acting without proper guidance can harm the animal, and in some cases, land you in legal trouble. As an experienced wildlife veterinary nurse working across Spain, I have seen how well-intentioned attempts to help animals can sometimes do more harm than good. Knowing the correct steps and contacting the right authorities is essential for both the animal's survival and your legal safety.
The most important rule is simple: do not attempt to treat or release wildlife on your own. Even well-meaning efforts can cause serious damage. A bird of prey handled incorrectly can injure both itself and the rescuer. A hedgehog or fox cub may look harmless but could carry disease.
Stranded dolphins or turtles must never be pushed back into the sea. This is a mistake I see far too often, and in most cases it leads to the death of the animal. The majority of stranded marine mammals are sick or injured, and without proper veterinary assessment and treatment they cannot survive. Returning them to the water only masks the problem temporarily and denies them the chance of recovery.
Never, under any circumstances, should anyone try to help a large injured animal, such as a boar, ibex or deer. These animals can be extremely dangerous when injured as they feel threatened, and they can seriously injure someone, even kill. Never handle wildlife unnecessarily. Many species are legally protected, and handling them without authorisation can result in fines. For example, all reptiles in Spain, including lizards, snakes, and turtles, are classed as protected species. This illustrates why it's essential to only intervene when an animal is in immediate danger and to follow proper legal channels.
Only move the animal if it is in immediate danger, on a road, at risk of falling, or in a situation where it could harm itself. Stress and shock are as dangerous as injury, so handling should be minimal. If immobilisation is necessary, place the animal in a ventilated box in darkness. Never offer food or drink to an injured animal. If the animal is suffering from internal injuries, feeding or giving water could be fatal. For example, baby birds do not drink water like adult birds, and forcing water into them can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Always wait for guidance from authorised rescue centres or professionals before attempting to feed or hydrate wildlife.
Spanish law is clear: only authorised wildlife rescue centres or veterinary professionals with special permits may handle and rehabilitate wild animals. Regular vets are not authorised unless they hold those specific permits, so their role is primarily to direct you to the correct authority and ensure the animal reaches the right facility safely.
One of the most common mistakes people make is picking up an animal and trying to deliver it themselves to a wildlife centre. This should never be done without first notifying the centre.
If you are stopped by police or environmental officers while transporting a wild animal without prior authorisation, you could face fines for illegal possession or even be suspected of wildlife trafficking. Rescue centres always log and confirm when they are expecting an animal. Without that confirmation, you risk being held legally responsible. Following these steps is as important for your safety as it is for the animal's welfare.
Not every injured animal requires urgent action. A sparrow with a damaged wing may need care but isn't an emergency. A dolphin washed ashore or an injured ibex in the mountains, however, should be reported immediately. When in doubt, make the call, explaining the situation to 112, SEPRONA, or the nearest centre is always better than risking the wrong action.
Spain has a network of specialist centres and services for wildlife rescue. Which one you contact depends on the type of animal.
Remember: not every rescue centre appears in official directories, so searching online for: centro de recuperación de fauna + your province is often the quickest way to find the right contact.
In my experience careful adherence to these rules ensures the animal has the best chance of survival. Every responsible decision, from contacting the correct centre to avoiding unnecessary handling, contributes to safer outcomes for both the animal and the rescuer. Spain's wildlife is one of its greatest treasures, and with a little preparation and care, encounters with Ibex, owls, turtles, dolphins, or even large animals like deer or boar can remain moments of wonder rather than regret.