Animals
NATIONAL ANIMAL
The Gallic Rooster“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Anatole France
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Dolphins, jellyfishes, sea turtles, octopuses, cuttlefish, sharks.
Birds:
Sea birds, buzzards, kites, eagles, vultures, falcons, eagle owls, pink flamingoes.
Land mammals:
Badgers, foxes, otters, rats, mice, rabbits and hares, red squirrels, wild hamsters, martens, chamois, weasels, ibex, deer.
Snakes and insects:
Butterflies, crickets, cicadas, bees, wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, lizards, grass snakes.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray cats are a common sight on the streets. In Paris, some small dogs can be seen dressed in designer collars and coats as if as they were accessories.
In theCountryside
Some dogs are tied up and some are used for hunting. Horseback riding is a common sight in the countryside.
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting is legal in France. Common animals hunted are deer, hares, rabbits, mouflons, wild boars, game birds such as partridges and pheasants.
Animal fights:
Bull fighting is prohibited in most parts of France. However, in some regions, cockfights and bullfights are allowed due to its traditional roots. In 2015 bullfighting was also removed from the country’s heritage list.
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
