I would wager that travelling in Europe is more commonly associated with architecture, culture, and food, than with wildlife. But surprising encounters await those willing to venture in search of European fauna. I was once largely ignorant of the natural beauty in my home continent – I am now discovering as much as I can, and I have spotted wildlife I didn’t expect along the way.

I have had less wildlife encounters on my European adventures than elsewhere. That is, in part, because I have yet to travel to the most wild and remote parts of Europe. However, I believe European wildlife has been heavily impacted by environmental devastation over the centuries – natural habitats have been disrupted and destroyed by encroachment from people and the cultivation of land for our own purposes. This has led to sparse population of wild animals, particularly large mammals, leaving us with less wildlife for us to see. It is little wonder why Europeans marvel at the largest mammals found on other continents.

Despite the problems in Europe, hope remains for our animals. Many important wildlife reserves exist, while projects to reintroduce species such as the European bison, lynx, wolves, and beavers are taking place. Brown bears can be found from Finland, to Romania, and across Western Europe. Eurasian Elk range from Northern to Eastern Europe. Europe’s only monkeys inhabit a tiny enclave in Southern Spain. While orca, dolphins, whales, and seals can all been seen in European waters.

You may not realise, as I hadn’t, that wildlife that isn’t far from your doorstep. I have cobbled together an ensemble of my own experiences to provide, for now, a small window into Europe’s array of animals.