The urbanisation of mammals is widespread in European countries and is raising many issues related to wildlife management, animal welfare, and public health. Urban wildlife is usually classified as exploiters, adapters, or avoiders in relation to their ecology and the consequent capacity to adapt to urban environments. Living in proximity to humans poses important challenges to mammal species inducing modifications in their behaviour, body condition, feeding ecology, health status and genetics. Here we aim to give a broad overview of this well-established phenomenon with reference to European mammals discussing the present situation and future perspectives with an adaptive management focus