Encountering a herd of cows is unavoidable while hiking. Beef Cattle Switzerland and the hiking trail association Schweizer Wanderwege have jointly produced a short film to ensure safe encounters with cows. The short film from the “Like to Hike” series provides a succinct explanation of the three main rules.
Rules of conduct when encountering cows
Three rules at a glance
Please observe the grazing sign
This sign explains the three key rules for interacting with herds of suckler cows. You may already be familiar with them from your mountain hikes. Thank you for observing the instructions.
Give cows a wide berth
If there is a cow or even a whole herd on or around the footpath, be sure to make a wide detour around the animal(s). Observe the following:
- walk slowly
- do not pass between the animals
- circle around the animals on the mountain side (from above)
- Keep the herd(s) in view and increase your distance if necessary
Never touch calves or cows
Cows protect their calves! This is why calves should not be touched. If a curious calf approaches, move slowly away and avoid it.
Keep dogs on a short leash
Dogs must always be on a short leash and kept under control when crossing cattle pastures. Cows see dogs as wolves, regardless of their size or breed, and therefore perceive them as a threat. This is why it is important to maintain an especially large distance from the animals if you are accompanied by a dog.
Warning signs from cows
If you keep a close eye on cattle, you will quickly be able to recognise the warning signs of a cow that is no longer at ease. Recognising these signs makes it easier to react in good time and prevent unwelcome situations. If you recognise one of the following signs, increase your distance and leave the pasture as quickly as possible.
Ruminating
Cows spend a lot of time ruminating, which means they often lie down. If a cow abruptly stops ruminating and stands up, this is an initial warning sign indicating that you should increase your distance.
Posture
When cows lower their heads, snort or even start to scratch their forefeet, you should leave the pasture as soon as possible. These are the first signs that the cow is preparing to attack – either the cow or her calf feels threatened, requiring an immediate retreat. Walk slowly and never turn your back on the herd. Do not run, as this can aggravate the animals and increases the risk of tripping.
What to do in an emergency
If you miss or ignore the warning signs, this may lead to an attack. In such cases, it is important to keep the following points in mind:
- Retreat quickly and immediately
- Leave your jacket or rucksack to distract the animals
- Let go of any dogs, as they are faster than cows and can reach safety on their own
Of course, if the three main rules are observed, this shouldn’t happen at all. Therefore: Keep your distance, do not touch the cows and keep dogs on a short leash. We wish you a pleasant and relaxing summer of hiking.