“Dog and Cow” like “Cat and Mouse”
In recent years, some tragic accidents have occurred in Tyrol and other regions in encounters of hikers and grazing animals.
The animals are not fundamentally aggressive but want to be left in peace. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a distance and not to seek contact. Do not take selfies with the animals or pet them!
In almost all cases, accidents were triggered by the following situation:
Mother cows wanted to protect their calves from dogs.
Accidents with hikers or cyclists without a dog are even rarer. Nevertheless, recreational athletes without four-legged companions should be careful on the pastures, as well!
Natural instincts
So-called cow attacks may occur as a result of the protective instinct of mother cows. The fear of the wolf as a natural enemy is still present in grazing cattle. The similarity between wolves and dogs - regardless of breed and size - sometimes triggers violent reactions in mother cows.
Appropriate measures
Anyone entering an alpine pasture can contribute to a secure coexistence with grazing cattle. By visiting this website, you have already taken the first important step!
Within the framework of a working group, all stakeholders have called for a package of measures to prevent such accidents in the future as far as possible, including the development of codes of conduct and suitable signposting. The latter is intended to prevent direct encounters between herds with mother cows and dogs. This important contribution to safety is achieved by signposted alternative routes in those areas of the pasture where the herd is most likely to be.
