Cordelia,
We are from Manchester, U.K., only moved over to Spain nearly two years ago now!! So its a real treat to see all the wild life - we too have some 'serious' critters, venomous snakes, wild boar, black widow spiders, HUGE centipedes that bite and can kill small mammals etc., but it all adds to the excitement and fun, got loads of pictures if you would like to see some lol!!!!
Please post some pictures of your local wildlife, I would love to see them!! :)