Countryside dangers - Cows

[unclebulgaria67]

http://news.sky.com/story/1679046/mother-killed-by-cow-did-not-stand-a-chance

 

This article reminded me of the number of deaths that occur most years, when people walk through farm land, without understanding the dangers. Cows, particularly with young calves will be quite protective and if you walk through their field, even on a footpath, you might be at risk of injury.

 

I regularly walk through fields containing Cows and sheep, so am use to reading their behaviour. With cows, they can have calves at any time of the year, but at this time of the year there will be more. If the Cows see you entering the field and the herd becomes suddenly alert heading in your direction, it is best if you take a quick exit. If the cows are mostly relaxed eating grass, they probably won't bother you, but do keep safe distance particularly if you have a dog. If you have a dog and cows approach, you should make a quick exit or at least let the dog off a lead. Cows may attack people with dogs, as they see the dog as a threat.

 

If you are in the middle of a field and cows approach, don't assume you will be attacked. Cows are very inquisitive and they will approach you sometimes, probably to see if you have food. Just calmly walk to the nearest exit and don't run away or shout. I have been surrounded by herds of cows on a number of occasions and it is quite intimidating. They will come to within about 10 feet and even circle around you. If you calmly just continue your walk at a slow pace, they will probably just follow you to where you exit the field. If you have a dog, let it off the lead in this situation. Best not to walk with dogs in fields with farm animals, unless you know the farm and the animals.

 

With sheep, they don't represent any danger, but they are very nervous animals, so do not walk too close to them and dogs must be kept on a lead. Locally a farmer has lost a number of sheep due to dog attacks. They literally get worried to death.

 

Enjoy the countryside, but do think about your safety and that of the animals. There is plenty of information about safety online, so do look at that.

[unclebulgaria67]

A tragic story as citizenB says.

And glad that unclebulgaria67 has put this story on and raised awareness.

 

As a Townie myself i have only been in a field of cows when fishing when young and once in the Lake District walking in Coniston or thereabouts.

 

I did get a little uneasy when they came close,larger than i had imagined.Seemed handsome beasts.Nice big eyes as i remember.And as you say they can shift a bit.

I had not even thought of them as dangerous,as i think of Bulls.

Anyway i will take more care in the future.

 

With bulls, you should never go in a field where they are alone. If they are with cows, they are apparently less of a risk, but still not wise. I have seen a farmer let out 2 bulls and cows into a field where there was a public footpath. The 2 bulls were fighting for dominance with a head charge. They stand about 10 feet from each other and charge at each other butting heads. I was stood about 30 feet away behind a gate and the ground shook. Very impressive to see these huge animals and their power.

 

Re the cows approaching and letting a dog off the lead, this is advice i have seen from countryside safety experts. This is about the safety of the dog owner being trampled, if they went for the dog while on a lead. With the dog off the lead, the dog can escape and you are less likely to be attacked.