By nature, grazing cattle are curious, though not aggressive. So as to avoid conflict in alpine grazing areas, it is wise to follow a few simple recommendations – especially if you are out hiking with a dog. Here are a few tips for man and dog, since it is the responsibility of hikers and mountain bikers to keep an eye open for potential problems and to be respectful when crossing the high meadows. Always obey and pay close attention to signs as posted!
As a matter of principle, you should always treat nature, animals and the people who work in the countryside with respect and appreciation. Farming the fields and especially the alpine pastures is often done in difficult conditions. Show your respect for this important and hard work. To avoid unpleasant encounters with the grazing animals, please obey a few basic rules. In particular, realize that cows, especially mother cows, view dogs as potential enemies and will always protect their calves. The following behaviors will ensure your personal safety and guarantee that you behave correctly on the meadows and alpine pastures that provide a home for our cattle.
How to behave correctly:
On alpine pastures, as a rule you should always remain quiet and not scare the grazing animals. Avoid contact with the animals and do not try to feed them! Do not make hectic motions and, above all, never try to mimic “cow noises”.
Be aware of fences and gates. If there is a gate, use it, closing it firmly behind you and crossing the meadow quickly. As a hiker or mountain biker, never leave the marked paths. If you encounter a herd of cows, circle them at a distance of 30 to 50 meters, ideally above the herd. Avoid going straight through the middle of the herd if at all possible. If animals block the path, detour them at the greatest distance possible (30 - 50 meters). If cows approach you: Remain calm, don’t turn your back on them and leave the meadow. Observe the animals without making direct eye contact: if you notice they are becoming restless, leave the pasture or grazing area immediately – do not run away. Instead, make your retreat without taking your eyes off the animals!
Possible reasons for the animals’ restlessness could be approaching thunderstorms, or dogs that had been running off the leash just a few minutes before you got there. If the animals see you as an “intruder”, normally you should do what you can to avoid them. They will only begin to attack if they feel cornered or threatened.
When you cross a meadow, take a stick with you. Threatening gestures with the stick and loud shouting may prompt aggressive animals to turn back. However, hitting the animals or making rapid, hectic motions, such as waving sticks or arms, should be avoided. You must be especially cautious if you encounter complete families of cattle including cows with their calves and potentially even a bull! If you catch sight of a bull, bypass the meadow or pasture completely! For their part, mother cows – just like humans – have a strong natural maternal instinct and will always protect and defend their calves. Because of that, never get too close to calves or even attempt to stroke or feed them.
Be especially attentive and cautious with dogs:
Dogs - regardless of their appearance or size - draw special attention from grazing cattle since they are perceived as a potential threat. However, dogs are faster than people and the grazing cattle, and are able to evade an attack if they are let off their leash in time.
If you decide to cross alpine pastures or meadows with your dog, you do so at your own risk and you must exercise heightened caution. Before hiking with your dog, you should determine whether you will have to cross a meadow or pasture along the route, and whether or not you might be able to avoid it completely.
Always keep your dog on a leash and, whenever possible, keep the dog in the middle of your group.
Never wrap the leash around your body, since you must be in a position to release the leash and your dog at a moment’s notice. Ensure that your dog doesn’t get too close to the herd or potentially even begin to chase the cows. Ensure that your dog stays calm and quiet. If your dog reacts by barking at the animals, you should detour the grazing cattle at as great a distance as possible.
If it appears that cattle are about to attack, immediately let your dog off the leash! This will make your dog the target of the attack, averting the danger for you personally. Dogs are fast enough to escape a cow attack, distracting the cow and giving you the opportunity to leave the danger area.
Important: Please never pick up your dog and/or defend it! You should always be in a position to let your dog off the leash at any time.
