Animals
National Animal
Grey Wolf“For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack”
Rudyard Kipling
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Dolphins, lobsters, octopus, cuttlefish, jellyfish, crabs, scallops, starfish.
Birds:
Woodpeckers, finches, partridges, eagles, owls, vultures, cuckoos.
Land mammals:
Marmots, shrews, voles, bats, lynxes, wolves, bears, chamois, ibex, deer, mouflon, porcupines.
Snakes and insects:
Dragonflies, butterflies, cicadas, hornets, wasps, vipers.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray dogs and cats are usually seen in smaller cities in Italy. Pet dogs are often left free to wander with neighborhood dogs. Horse-drawn carriages have been banned from the roads in most major cities, however they are still active around parks and off the roads.
In theCountryside
Horseback riding can be commonly seen in more rural places around the country. Animal farms, with animals behind fences can be seen when driving through the countryside.
Hunting or poaching:
Animals commonly hunted are migratory birds, deer, alpine chamois, European mouflons and wild boars.
Animal fights:
Animal fights are illegal in Italy.
Sanctuaries to visit or volunteer:
Porcikomodi Majella National Park IHP Recovery Center • The Bolgheri Bird Sanctuary
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.
