Animals

Electric ants and Asian hornets: France pushes for EU-wide eradication effort

Ecology minister demands greater EU coordination to tackle invasive species

What to do if a stray cat makes itself at home chez vous in France

A vet explains what to do, from checking ownership and microchips to neutering, I-CAD registration and long-term care

How to identify mustelids in France: polecats, badgers, martens and weasels

A practical guide explaining key features, habitats and tracking signs to help spot these elusive animals

news

Cyclist in France severely injured after being chased by wild boar

Passers-by found the 64-year-old man unresponsive

Processionary caterpillar numbers on rise in northern France: what to do if you spot them

Several departments issued warnings over weekend, with certain areas closed to public

Updated: 14-metre whale found on beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

A young sei whale was found on a beach on Île de Ré, prompting an investigation into how it died and why it was in the area

Where in France you are most likely to see a viper

This year is looking similar to last when it comes to the snakes’ presence

Why you may see 'bin' bags on trees across forests and towns in France

The purpose of the bags can be determined by their colour and location

Which city is best in France for dog owners?

Annual study ranks areas on factors including green spaces and pro-pet policies

French authorities to release millions of sterile tiger mosquitoes

The measure has already proved successful in other countries in reducing the population

Video: French police show film of ‘drunk deer’ to warn rural drivers

Animals can act erratically after eating fermented fruit in spring

Why France still has millions of nightingales while UK numbers fall

The rossignol returns in spring - here is where to listen for it

Owner sues vet in western France after misgendered cat dies following sterilisation

The vet ‘did not verify’ the cat’s sex before operation and it died nine days later

Video: fleeing horses cause panic on motorway in Brittany

Three horses gallop wrong way down road for over a kilometre before being stopped

Rare sighting of golden eagle in northern France excites birdwatchers

Juvenile bird is thought to be searching for its own hunting grounds

Dog owners in France reminded of spring lead rules

Regulations aim to reduce impact of pets on forest wildlife

Dog waste DNA helps to catch errant pet owners

French town sees 85% reduction in dog waste using DNA tracing technology

Bear sighting on Pyrénées hiking trail fuels local tensions

A reintroduction programme for brown bears continues to face opposition

What to do with an injured bird in France

France has strict rules governing interaction with wild animals

Spring in France: Why you should be careful walking your dog

Warmer days and blooming plants can also bring dangers to precious pooches

Petition to save dog accused of killing French woman reaches 30,000 signatures

Public prosecutor recommends Curtis be euthanised to avoid further incidents

Did an illegal pit bull dog kill woman in France? Court case opens

Pit bull terrier Curtis ‘obsessed’ with biting and may have been trained by woman’s partner

Group,Of,Chickens,On,A,Farm,Yard,Chicken,Eco,Farm

Can I install chicken coop for my own eggs during shortage?

Coops are subject to taxes if over a certain size

Taking a lead from the US: doggy daycare booming in France

Daycare facilities are catering for both busy pet owners and tourists

Warnings after dog poisonings in south of France countryside

More than 20 dogs, including truffle hunting animals, have been poisoned by mysterious pellets

Further sightings of processionary caterpillars in France prompt action from local authorities

Caterpillars have arrived early after mild winter

Several wolf sightings in centre of Frejus, Var

Rules have been relaxed around shooting wolves that threaten livestock

Animal-assisted therapy comes to France’s Nice airport to calm anxious passengers

Emotional support animals arrive at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

Exotic ‘lipsticked’ song bird spreads across south-west France

Sightings and hearings of the Rossignol du Japon have caused a Facebook sensation, especially in and around the Pyrenees

Sam Barcham takes one of her horses for a ride

Why we bought horses after moving to France – and what it taught us

When reader Sam Barcham, 48, moved from England to the south of France, she never anticipated that riding lessons would lead to buying three horses of her own

Are pet vaccines a legal requirement in France?

Certain vaccinations are mandatory before animals can travel

France faces growing threat from invasive ‘electric ant’ species as funding for projects stalls

Aggressive colonies are difficult to eradicate and researchers need approval to test new methods

Fishing in France: New catch legislation for amateurs

Reporting measure comes into force for recreational sea fishing – but practical effects put off for now

Lubin Goldin (top left) and winning entries for Wildlife Photographer of the Year (11-14) and European Wildlife photographer of the year (14 and under)

French teenager wins top wildlife photography awards for Alpine ibex photos

The Connexion talks to award-winning wildlife 14-year-old photographer Lubin Godin about his process and future plans

How can I protect my second home in France from mice while I am away?

Pests can enter homes at any period

How ‘invasive species’ the raccoon is a threat to both wildlife and humans

Despite the damage done by raccoons, there is no national strategy to address the problem

Confrontations with wild boar increase in France despite more hunts

Boar numbers are rising and the ‘unpredictable’ animals can cause serious injury

Mairie issues alert over snake on loose in Vendée

The five-metre long snake was reported to have been run over by a car last week but is yet to be found

Hiker videos pack of seven wolves at Alpine ski resort

‘Unprecedented’ video captures wolves roaming on slopes

Where are lumpy skin disease cases affecting cattle in France?

The outbreak has led to compulsory culls of cattle

Lost cat reunited with French family after 11 years thanks to identification tattoo

Tattoo helped shelter to find owners of the injured, elderly cat

Are new UK pet passports being introduced? Will they be accepted in France?

UK made easier pet travel one aim of talks earlier this year

French first as black wolf pack confirmed as living in Var

Female with black coat gave birth to four pups who inherited rare fur

French pet owner fined whenever cat goes onto neighbour’s property

Feline triggers penalties if crossing the boundary after an alleged series of misdemeanours including leaving paw prints...

Asian hornet nests increase in France this autumn

Several deaths have been recorded in France from Asian hornet stings

Escaped pink flamingo from Cornwall zoo sighted in Brittany

Four-month old flamingo managed to fly over her walled enclosure at start of month

Village gives free rat poison to tackle infestation in southern France

Local authorities hope the measure will greatly reduce rat numbers in the area

Walker finds python in south of France

Pet snake had been missing for three months and was suffering from hypothermia

Can I make a complaint about my neighbour’s poultry farm in France?

It is legal to raise some poultry in your backyard with minimal regulations

French honey production almost double that of last year

South-east saw lower yields after being affected by summer heatwaves despite good news elsewhere

Dog owner finds innovative technique in France to help traumatised rescue dog

How the Trust Technique helped one Connexion reader bond with her pet

New anti-mosquito operation in Dordogne: What residents must do

Close to 100 cases of chikungunya have been recorded in department

French homes overrun by ladybird invasion

Invasive Asian ladybird has been spotted in both France and UK amid food source boom

Walker viciously attacked by sheep guard dogs on hiking path in south-east France

Four dogs attacked for an hour. Emergency rescuers also felt in danger

Why you may still have mosquitoes in your French home… in autumn and winter

Record number of native cases of the mosquito-borne disease Chikungunya were recorded in France this year

Investigation launches after man dies from rabies in south of France

The man died after being admitted with classic rabies symptoms, despite the virus having been ‘eradicated’ in France since 2001

High in the Pyrenees: discovering the rare capercaillie

On the trail of an elusive bird in the high mountains of Andorra

Why you should expect to see more spiders in your French home in September

France is home to more than 1,700 spider species

Video: raccoon spotted in French Pyrenees

Local animal experts say this is ‘not good news’ and ask the public to report any further sightings

Do you need a permit to own a tortoise in France?

Boom in tortoise trade in 1970s and 1980s led to strict regulations

Couple fined for keeping panther at their home in northern France

The animal, named Louise, was spotted prowling rooftops near Lille

French animal shelters struggle as number of pets brought in remains high

Animals taken to shelters this summer due to abuse over double that of last year

British woman in France sends rare Poitou donkey to US for conservation

The action marks a significant step in global preservation efforts

Nature in France: discover the fascinating world of insects

Explore the wonders of French nature with the extraordinary dung beetle, gazés and butterflies

Passenger receives fine on Paris-Brittany train after complaints over meowing cat

Several passengers allegedly complained over noise, leading to €110 penalty

A view of an Air France plane on the ground at CDG

Do airlines flying to France allow pets in the cabin?

Several airlines have specific rules

Dordogne mairie offers cages to catch boar devastating private gardens

Iron traps set up by hunting professionals can catch boar overnight

Stork nests in south-west France to cost rail operator €1m

SNCF says birds nesting in overhead lines present safety risk

What to do if you see a stray dog or cat in France

Follow these steps to help a lost animal find its owner

Check local jellyfish levels near you in France with online tools

Interactive maps can show where they have been registered in recent days

Warning to dog owners as outbreak of deadly virus recorded in central France

Parvovirus can have a mortality rate of over 90% if untreated and is easily spread

Photos: rare otters captured in south of France using nocturnal camera

Recolonisation and protection efforts are paying off in several regions around the country

Invasive Japanese beetles detected in eastern France

Residents are being asked to report beetles

Tick season lasting longer in France: where are they most common and how to prevent them?

Parents are being warned in particular to check their children for ticks as animals spread throughout France

What dangerous snakes are in France and what to do if you spot one

Anyone killing a snake risks a fine and potentially a prison sentence