Forget the usual police dogs and ceremonial horses. Spain’s Guardia Civil has a rather more unusual character representing one of its specialist units: a wild boar called Iratxo, described by the force as “as faithful as he is imposing”. The Guardia Civil recently introduced Iratxo on social media, sharing a photograph of the animal standing on his hind legs beside a uniformed officer.

The force says he can be a little stubborn, but adapts to any terrain and always moves forward with a firm step. Iratxo is associated with the Unidad de Acción Rural (UAR), or Rural Action Unit, which coordinates specialist units including the Grupo de Acción Rápida (GAR), or Rapid Action Group. The GAR carries out counter-terrorism work and high-risk operations requiring a rapid response.

Why does Spain’s Guardia Civil have a wild boar?

The unusual mascot is part of a tradition that stretches back more than four decades. The Guardia Civil’s association with wild boars began in 1981, coinciding with the first anniversary of the GAR’s territorial deployment. Several animals have represented the unit since then, including Itza and Basati, who appeared at public events and military-style parades. Basati, whose name means “wild” in Basque, was among the previous mascots. In 2024, he appeared during celebrations marking Spain’s National Day in the Intxaurrondo neighbourhood of San Sebastián.

The choice of a wild boar is more than a quirky tradition. Its imposing appearance, toughness and ability to adapt to different environments make it a fitting emblem for a unit associated with demanding operations. Iratxo’s name adds another layer of meaning. In Basque mythology, an iratxo is a mischievous spirit or goblin, not necessarily evil, sometimes associated with acting as a guardian or justiciar and of course it is a perfect name for a mascot that combines a formidable appearance with a folkloric identity.

Pigs are far cleverer than many people realise

Wild boars and domestic pigs belong to the same species, Sus scrofa, and pigs have demonstrated impressive learning and cognitive abilities in scientific studies. Research has found that pigs can learn to navigate tasks, remember information and adapt their behaviour when circumstances change. Studies have also examined their social cognition, including how early social experiences can influence later social skills.

Their intelligence is not just about remembering where food is kept. Pigs can learn to associate particular cues with rewards, distinguish between familiar individuals and develop strategies for solving problems. Their ability to learn from experience has made them an interesting subject for animal cognition research.

That intelligence also makes pigs capable of learning through training. With consistent, reward-based methods, they can learn routines, respond to cues and work out how to complete tasks. Food rewards can be particularly useful when teaching new behaviours, while repetition and consistency help reinforce what they have learnt. However, intelligence does not automatically make every pig easy to handle. Individual temperament, previous experiences and the environment all matter. Wild boars also retain behaviours and instincts that can make them much more challenging to manage safely than domestic pigs.

A mascot with a long-standing role

While the Guardia Civil uses specially trained dogs for tasks such as detecting drugs and employs horses for particular duties, Iratxo represents the UAR in a different way. He is part of the unit’s identity and traditions, connecting its modern work with a history of wild boar mascots that stretches back to the early 1980s. The animals have become recognisable symbols associated with the unit and its public appearances.

For a force known for its serious operational responsibilities, Iratxo offers a more unexpected public face. The mascot gives the unit a distinctive character beyond its equipment, uniforms and specialist operations, while reflecting qualities such as resilience, determination and adaptability. And while the wild boar may seem an unlikely choice, the combination of strength, intelligence and a name rooted in Basque folklore makes Iratxo a memorable representative of one of Spain’s specialist Guardia Civil units.