In recent years, Colombia has faced a growing problem: the presence of stray animals found in cities’ streets and rural areas. The most common image of homeless animals is associated with dogs and cats–but in different regions of the country, species such as iguanas can also be seen wandering through cities or living in abandoned conditions.
Stray and wilds animals found on the streets of Colombia
Dogs and Cats
Stray dogs and cats are the most common in Colombia. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of these animals roam the streets of cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Cartagena and Barranquilla. Many have been abandoned by their owners or were born on the streets, facing harsh conditions such as hunger, disease, and mistreatment. Additionally, their presence in urban areas creates health and safety issues, as they can transmit zoonotic diseases or become aggressive when competing for food and territory.
Rescue organizations and foundations work to mitigate this issue through adoption, sterilization campaigns, and public awareness efforts. However, overpopulation continues to rise due to the lack of strict regulations on pet reproduction and abandonment.
Iguanas
Iguanas are a unique case among Colombia’s urban wildlife. In warm-climate cities such as Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla, it is common to see them wandering through plazas, parks, and urban areas. Although they are often part of the local ecosystem, some have been displaced by urbanization and are at risk of accidents and illegal wildlife trafficking. Additionally, in some tourist areas, iguanas are captured by people seeking to exploit them for illegal trade or as attractions for visitors.
Squirrels
In cities with abundant green spaces, such as Bogota, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, and Pereira, squirrels have managed to adapt to urban environments. However, some are forced to search for food in dangerous areas, exposing them to traffic accidents and attacks from stray dogs or cats. They may also fall victim to wildlife trafficking or suffer fatal injuries from contact with electrical wires.
Gallinazos (Black Vultures)
In Colombia, it is also common to find black vultures (or Coragyps atratus) roaming the streets, especially in areas where organic waste or garbage accumulates. These scavenger birds play an important ecological role by feeding on decomposing matter, helping to clean the environment. They are particularly visible in cities like Cartagena and others along the Caribbean coast, where they search for food in markets or areas with poor waste management. In Barranquilla, they tend to gather near the Magdalena River and in areas with garbage dumps. They can also be seen in Bogotá, mainly in peripheral zones, and in Cali, in neighborhoods where waste collection is inadequate. Although to a lesser extent, Medellín and its metropolitan area also report the presence of black vultures in open spaces where trash accumulates.
Monkeys
@elblogdejuancho En la zona rural de Cali. Afortunado poder verlos y contemplar lo bonita que es la naturaleza. #mono #monotiti🐒 #cali #biodiversidad #colombia ♬ sonido original – Juan Carlos
In jungle regions such as the Amazon, Choco, and Magdalena Medio, it is possible to find monkeys in urban areas, usually due to habitat destruction. In some cases, these animals have been victims of illegal trafficking and end up in captivity or abandoned on the streets when their owners can no longer care for them. The presence of monkeys in urban settings is not only dangerous for them but also for people, as they can become aggressive or transmit diseases.