Are there any poisonous animals in Gran Canaria?

Residentes del área de Ciudad Alta de Las Palmas en Gran Canaria, han expresado su preocupación tras la aparición de una serpiente real de más de un metro de largo en el parque donde los niños juegan y ellos pasean a sus perros. La aparición de la serpiente ha trastornado la vida diaria del barrio, lo que ha llevado a muchos a evitar las zonas verdes por completo. Alarmas saltaron la semana pasada con dos avistamientos específicos: el primero ocurrió el miércoles alrededor de las 19:00, y el segundo el jueves a las 11:30. Después de estos incidentes, los residentes llamaron a las autoridades locales para solicitar que fuera capturada. Aunque esta serpiente no es venenosa y generalmente se mantiene bajo tierra, la presencia de tal reptil en un entorno urbano ha generado preocupación entre los vecinos. La serpiente real de California es actualmente una especie invasiva en Gran Canaria. Llegó a la isla a través de la intervención humana en la década de 1990. La introducción de la serpiente real de California a Gran Canaria en 1998, ya sea por liberación accidental o intencional en el medio ambiente natural, ha llevado a una respuesta institucional en forma de un programa sistemático de captura que, desde 2009, ha eliminado 17.615 especímenes de esta especie invasiva. Este incidente marca la primera vez que se ha reportado una serpiente de esta especie en Reina Mercedes, aunque no es la primera vez que han sido vistas en Las Palmas.

The Canary Islands are generally devoid of venomous animals, making them an ideal destination for vacations in complete serenity. The only terrestrial venomous animal is the giant centipede Scolopendra morsitans, which can grow up to 25 cm long. This animal lives under the rocks and only comes out at night. As for snakes, the California king snake, introduced and harmless, is found in Gran Canaria, particularly around Telde and Valsequillo. It is shy and poses no danger to humans. Dangerous animals: Although rare, some animals such as the giant centipede may be encountered, especially at night, in rocky areas. Jellyfish: Present in winter, they can cause painful stings but are not fatal, so it is advised to be cautious while swimming. Scorpaenids and sea urchins: These marine creatures can cause stings, so it is recommended to wear appropriate shoes to avoid injuries. When hiking, it is advisable to avoid lifting rocks, as animals like the giant centipede Scolopendra morsitans may be hiding there. To avoid jellyfish stings, it is recommended to wear protective shoes when swimming near the rocks and to pay attention to yellow flags indicating their presence.

One of the good things about walking on Gran Canaria is that there are no poisonous or dangerous insects or animals on the island. There are no foxes nor any other large wild animals, but you will hear and see many lizards scurrying around. Goats near Toscon In the North you may see herds of goats and sheep on the mountainsides, and cattle in enclosures. The largest wild mammal is the rabbit, you will see and hear dogs, most will be hunting dogs which are usually tied up or in an enclosure. The hunting season here in Gran Canaria is late August to late November, Sunday is the most popular day for the local hunters who shoot rabbit and partridge etc. There are many interesting and endemic plants on the island, and also many interesting species of birds, including several birds of prey. Mosquitoes and tics are not a major problem but they do exist, so a mosquito spray and an after-bite pen are useful items to carry. Be environmentally friendly, make sure that you take all of your rubbish home with you, including banana skins, orange peel, plastic bottles and bags etc. If you are a smoker make 100% sure that your cigarette ends are properly extinguished. The most important thing is to be careful about planning your hikes in Gran Canaria to get the maximum enjoyment from what I believe is a great hiking experience.