Cows and bulls

[ethandron]

Any regular walkers out there...how do you feel about walking on a marked footpath through a herd of cows and a bull??

[EvianBaby]

I'm not much of a walker but I would previously have just walked through without thinking about it. That's until a couple of years ago my aunt and two others were walking through the lake district in some fields (marked as public footpaths). For no reason at all the cows stampeded towards my aunt and trampled her. She had broken bones in her legs, arms, shoulder, chest and was covered in bruises. She still hasn't fully recovered. She was very nearly killed.

[ummmm]

I they have calf's I would avoid them.

[tonyav]

Got chased by a herd of cows once, walking across a field in Cornwall. Bloody hell I didn't realize that I could run as fast as I did.

[Frank97]

I often walk through a field of cows without any concerns, yes they come over to see who you are but they're only being inquisitive. If it's bulls though I'm far more wary, especially if mixed with cows, always best to stand for a few minutes to check which is which before entering IMO.

[tenrec]

I always avoid a field with cattle in it if I can. They can run a lot faster than I can.

[sunny-dave]

I don't worry that much - unless I've got dogs with me - then I am very cautious about any cattle (of either sex). Most walkers who have been trampled by cattle had a dog with them.

The dogs need to be on a lead (obviously) but all that tends to do is mean that the cattle will approach you, often in a very hostile way. Carrying a large stick and making appropriate gestures with it can help dissuade them ... sometimes.

[Frank97]

I would add that if it's a field of cows with one bull and no other way round, always stay near the edge of the field and don't cross the middle, that way you have a far better chance of escape should he take an interest.

[tamborine]

Keep to edge of field (so you can jump out) & dont carry plastic bags as livestock think you're brought them tit bits.

[tamborine]

It was illegal to release a bull into a field of cows; breeding is controlled in secure barns, or by artificial insemination. With today's 'free range' it seems anything goes.

[Bambiagain]

If you do have a dog with you and the cattle charge, the safest thing (for you at least) is to let the dog go.

[Frank97]

^ I'd agree with that, the dog can probably out run them, you can't!

[sunny-dave]

Yep - that's exactly what I would do - the only snag is that my own dogs would then tend to hide behind me ...

[tamborine]

The dog will run to you for protection & bring the cattle with it.

Carry a stone & aim true, if one cow runs away the others will follow. Am only thinking of walkers safety.

[Zacs-Master]

I was told by my uncle who's a farmer that they have poor eyesight and if you stand still with both arms in the air they'll think your a bull and back off. Tried it a couple of times and it works.

[sunny-dave]

Hence my habit of picking up a large stick before entering a field of cows ... I like cows, but ...

[Bambiagain]

My dog would probably hide behind me as well, but if you keep the dog on the lead and the cattle are aggressive, you have no chance.

[Nibble]

That's a interesting hint, zacs!

[tonyav]

I tell you that time I was chased I would have overtook Usain Bolt.

[Prudie]

I walk alone in the country a lot and worry more about weirdos then cows, perhaps it's cows I should be more wary of!

[tamborine]

Stone the crows, prudie....

Best rural fun is galloping at flashers :)