BIRDS OF PREY & BEARS IN THE SPANISH PYRENEES

The Spanish Pyrenees are among the most pristine natural areas in Europe. Between deep gorges, rugged cliffs and endless forests, birds of prey, bears, chamois and marmots still roam freely. From Chill-Outdoor you can observe them yourself — during a hike or cycling trip.

Griffon vulture

The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) is biologically a bird of prey but behaviourally a scavenger, feeding exclusively on carrion. With wingspans up to 2.8 metres, they glide effortlessly on thermal currents above the valleys. You can often spot groups of them circling in Perarrua or around gorges such as Congosto de Ventamillo or Peña Montañesa.

It's a beautiful sight to see a vulture soaring through the air, taking advantage of the warm air currents. They live in rock faces and fly to find the carcasses of dead animals.

Through Chill-Outdoor, you can visit a vulture feeding station where you'll learn all about these remarkable animals.

Bearded vulture

The bearded vulture is a rare and protected species, recognised by its orange feathers and black “beard”. Like the griffon vulture, it feeds on bones, dropping them from great heights to reach the nutritious marrow. At the visitor center in Aínsa you can learn more about this unique bird and the ongoing conservation programme in the Pyrenees.

The bearded vulture owes its name to a distant past when it was believed to prey on lambs (and even small children). However, the bearded vulture doesn't eat live animals, only carcass bones. It can swallow bones up to 18 cm long in a single gulp!

Brown bears in the Pyrenees

Yes, they really exist: brown bears in Spain! Thanks to the 1996 reintroduction project, their numbers in the eastern and central Pyrenees are slowly increasing. Bears are shy animals, so the chances of seeing one in the wild are small. Nevertheless, their presence makes the Pyrenees extra magical for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

In 2024, there were around 95 brown bears (Oso Pardo) living in the Pyrenees. These impressive animals can reach up to 2 meters in length and weigh between 110 and 270 kilograms.

Historically, only one female bear named Sarousse lived in our Ésera Valley, near mountain Turbón. Unfortunately, she was shot by a hunter at the end of 2020, reportedly in self-defense.

Aran Park: See Brown Bears and Other Wildlife Up Close

For those who want to see bears and other wild animals up close, Aran Park is located just a short distance from our accommodations. This wildlife park in the Val d’Aran allows visitors to safely and respectfully observe brown bears, wolves, and other mountain fauna. It’s an educational and unforgettable experience for families, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

We love to tell you all about it when you are here on holiday.

Pyrenean chamois (sarrio / rebeco)

This elegant mountain goat lives at high altitudes and moves effortlessly across steep slopes. During a mountain hike you may spot them from a distance.

During one of your mountain hikes, you have a good chance of spotting them from a distance. Be sure to stop for a moment, because it's impressive to see them scamper effortlessly across the steep rocks.

Alpine marmot

As spring arrives, the cheerful marmots appear again. They whistle loudly when sensing danger and can often be seen sunbathing between 800 and 3,000 metres. Even though they're called "Alpine marmots," they also live in the Pyrenees.

They can grow up to 75 cm long (including their tail), making them one of the largest rodents in Europe. During the summer months, you're likely to see them sunbathing on rocks, or near a mountain hut, searching for food such as seeds, worms, and insects. This is how they build up body fat to endure the long winter in their dens.

Lacuniacha Wildlife Park

Would you like to see these animals up close? Visit Lacuniacha Biopark in the Tena Valley — a beautiful 30-hectare nature park home to bears, wolves, deer and Przewalski horses. It’s a great option for a relaxing day during your active holiday.

Tips for wildlife spotting

  • Go out early in the morning or around sunset.
  • Bring binoculars or a zoom lens.
  • Move quietly — loud noises scare wildlife away.
  • Look for signs such as droppings, footprints or bones.
  • Ask Chill-Outdoor for local guides or the best wildlife routes.

Plan your nature experience with Chill-Outdoor

Whether you’re hiking, cycling or relaxing, at Chill-Outdoor you experience the Pyrenees up close. Discover the silence of the mountains, the flight of vultures and the chance to see rare animals in the wild.

Check out our multi-adventure, cycling or mountain hiking packages.

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