Wildlife in the Cantabrian Mountains

The remarkable little-known Cantabrian Mountains extend along the Atlantic coast of northern Spain for nearly 500 kilometres from the east Pyrenees to Galicia.

When the long winter has the mountains firmly in its grip, blood curdling howls pierce the cold, still air. In this time of extremes wild hunters have the advantage. Snow and lack of food will drive animals like red deer into the valleys and into the jaws of hungry wolves!  

As soon as the snow starts to melt, creatures that spent the entire winter in hibernation finally emerge from their dens. Female Brown bears, anxious to feed themselves and their cubs, seek out the first fresh grasses. Starvation is not the only threat, male bears in search of partners can attack and kill young bears. Mothers must remain vigilant.

Summer days in the Cantabrian Mountains are also fraught with dangerous challenges. Atlantic salmon face the ultimate test as they migrate from ocean to hinterland to reach their ancestral spawning grounds. The frantic journey will take them into the path of certain danger, along treacherous rapids where ravenous bears wait.

‘Cantabria – Spain’s magical Mountains’ – four seasons of breathtaking drama, beauty and wonder.