Correct handling of cows in the alps How to stay "cool"
By nature, cows are curious but not aggressive. For a conflict-free coexistence on alpine pastures and meadows, a few guidelines should be observed - especially when you are with dogs. Here are some tips for both humans and dogs, as it is the personal responsibility of all hikers and mountain bikers to act considerately and respectfully on pastures and meadows. Any posted signs or information boards should be strictly observed!
How to act together
Thank you for...
- ...keeping a respectful distance from the animals - especially with dogs. Mother cows protect their offspring and may see an approach as a threat.
- ... do not feed the animals. Human food can be unhealthy for cows and get them used to humans, which can be dangerous.
- ... keep quiet when you encounter cows. If cows approach you, stay calm. Do not turn your back on the animals and try to avoid them as much as possible.
- ...stick to the marked hiking trails to avoid pastures.
- ... always keep your dog on a short lead so as not to frighten the animals. If an attack by a cow is imminent, take your dog off the lead IMMEDIATELY.
- ...pay attention to warning signals. If a herd becomes restless, be particularly careful. Remain calm and walk quickly away from the cows without turning your back on them.
- ... pay attention to fences or barriers. If there is a gate, use it and then close it again. Make sure that you always cross the pasture quickly.
Did you know?
There are around 8,000 managed alpine pastures and meadows in Austria alone. Cows and other grazing animals are an important part of our alpine landscape and help to maintain the meadows. Without them, the alpine meadows would become overgrown!
This is the right way to behave:
In general, please remain calm on alpine pastures, do not frighten grazing animals and do not seek contact with grazing cattle or even try to feed them! Avoid hectic movements and, above all, refrain from imitating "cow sounds".
Pay attention to fences as well as gates. If there is a gate, use it, then close it properly and cross the pasture quickly. As a hiker or mountain biker, please never leave the marked paths.
You should always walk past a herd of cattle from the side (30 - 50 meters away), preferably above the herd. If possible, avoid walking through the middle of the herd. If animals are blocking the path, please walk around them (30 - 50 meters away). When approaching grazing livestock: Stay calm, do not turn your back and leave the pasture.
Observe the animals without making direct eye contact: If you notice that they are restless, leave the pasture or grazing area immediately - please do not run away, but retreat without taking your eyes off the animals!
Possible causes of irritation can be, for example, approaching thunderstorms or dogs running free a few minutes before you. If "intruders" are noticed by the animals, they will generally move away. They will only attack if they are cornered or feel threatened.
Take a stick with you when you cross the pastures. Threatening gestures with the stick and loud shouts can make aggressive animals turn back. Avoid hitting and fast, hectic movements such as waving sticks and arms.
Where there are whole families of cattle, cows with their calves and perhaps even a bull on the pasture, special care is required! If there is a bull, the pasture or mountain pasture should be avoided! Mother cows, on the other hand, will always protect and defend their calves due to their natural maternal instinct - just as we humans protect our children. Therefore, never get too close to calves or even stroke and feed them.
Special attention and caution is required with dogs:
Dogs - regardless of their appearance or size - attract the special attention of grazing livestock as they are perceived as a potential threat. However, dogs are faster than humans and grazing livestock and can evade an attack if they are leashed in time.
Dogs are generally taken onto alpine pastures and meadows at your own risk and require increased caution. Before hiking with a dog, you should clarify whether you have to cross a pasture or mountain pasture or whether you can avoid it if necessary.
Always keep your dog on a short lead and keep him in the middle of the group if possible.
Never tie the lead around your body; you must be able to release the lead or the dog at any time. Prevent your dog from getting too close to the herd or even starting to chase. Make sure that your dog behaves calmly. If it reacts to animals by barking, it is essential to avoid grazing cattle.
If the cattle are likely to attack, let the dog off the lead immediately! This means that the dog is the target of the attack and the danger is averted from humans. Dogs are fast enough to escape an attack by cattle. This also distracts them so that they can leave the danger zone.
Important: Please never pick up and defend a dog! Immediate unleashing must be possible at all times.
Vacation with dog
In the Schladming-Dachstein Region you will find ideal conditions for a relaxing and eventful stay with your dog. We have summarized helpful services and tips for you and your four-legged friend:
