Guardia Civil welcomes its newest four-legged recruit

Iratxo, a wild boar with a Basque name and a stubborn streak, is the latest mascot of the force’s Rapid Action Group

The Guardia Civil has introduced an unusual new member of its team: Iratxo, a wild boar who is the latest mascot of its Rapid Action Group (GAR).

The force shared a photograph of Iratxo standing on his hind legs beside a uniformed officer. Many social media users initially assumed the image had been created by artificial intelligence, but the Guardia Civil confirmed it was genuine.

The picture will now be entered into Europol’s 2026 photography competition, where police forces from across Europe will submit images.

Iratxo belongs to the Rural Action Unit (UAR), which coordinates the GAR. The GAR is based in Logroño and was originally deployed in the Basque Country and Navarre in February 1980 to focus on counterterrorism. It now carries out high-risk interventions and rapid-response work, including patrols, search and rescue operations and protection of critical infrastructure.

The wild boar is the unit’s emblem, rather than an operational animal. He does not take part in missions on the ground, but represents the group’s identity and sometimes appears at parades and official events.

The Guardia Civil describes Iratxo as “as loyal as he is imposing”. It adds that, although he is “somewhat stubborn, he adapts to any terrain and always moves forward with a steady stride”.

His name comes from Basque mythology. Iratxo is a mischievous, but not evil, night spirit and guardian of popular morality. According to tradition, he could transform into animals or will-o’-the-wisps to confuse travellers. A 16th-century proverb also said Iratxo seized or made disappear riches obtained dishonestly.

The tradition of keeping wild boars as GAR mascots began in 1981, coinciding with the first anniversary of the unit’s territorial deployment. A 2017 parliamentary response said seven wild boars had passed through the barracks by that date.

Iratxo follows Itza and Basati, the two previous animals to gain public attention. Basati appeared at the October 12 parade in Intxaurrondo two years ago, although many people initially mistook him for Itza.

The Guardia Civil says the animals have a symbolic role at public and identity-related events and are separate from officers’ operational missions. The animal housed at the Intxaurrondo barracks had a dedicated 399.6-square-metre enclosure and was voluntarily cared for by a certified canine handler who combined that work with their normal duties.

For now, Iratxo is enjoying the spotlight, with a photo that has already caught the attention of social media users across Spain.

Image: Guardia Civil/Instagram