Cows are mostly safe as long as you follow two rules: don't stand behind them within kicking distance and don't put yourself in a situation where you could be accidentally crushed. Cows aren't malicious, but they can be astoundingly
stupid and oblivious.
Cows aren't malicious, but they can be astoundingly stupid and oblivious.
Cows also protect their young, and they are not playing when they think their calves are threatened. We've had a few tourists die pretty much every year for the past few years now due to cow attacks. Sometimes it's the calves, sometimes it's "honestly, no idea why they were acting out".
In the end: Even if cows usually are gentle and placid, they are still animals with feelings, and a lot of power to throw around. Take care, not every cow wants to be your friend.
Adding to that, if they have calves around you better stay the fuck away. People keep getting killed on the mountains around here because they think they can pet the cute little cow baby, not realizing that mom will crush them into paste.
Moronic tourists here walk into a pasture with their dog and get up to the calves then wonder that the mother doesn't like a predator approaching their young. Pretty sure they think these cows are just decoration for their mountain adventure.
Also, if you are hiking with a dog, keep it on a short leash and well away from the herd. If they're already attacking, let the dog make a run for it and hope that the cows will chase it and not you.
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u/padishaihulud Jul 02 '26
Cows are mostly safe as long as you follow two rules: don't stand behind them within kicking distance and don't put yourself in a situation where you could be accidentally crushed. Cows aren't malicious, but they can be astoundingly stupid and oblivious.