Mad cow! How to deal with aggressive cattle?

OK my hubby found an article in UK. It said, walk slowly and face the cow. Don't run! Wave your arms and make noise.

That sounds terrifying. And here I freak out when a turkey sneaks up behind me and gobbles.

lorrpb wrote: »

OK my hubby found an article in UK. It said, walk slowly and face the cow. Don't run! Wave your arms and make noise.

Whoever wrote this article should probably test the theory... I own a Border Collie, btw, and he was running away, too...

not sure if you can see this video where you are but it might help -

https://facebook.com/FarmersGuardian/videos/vb.45093379305/579127269184471/?type=2&theater

they probably just wanted to play - they see you running and think it's fun. They sound like young bullocks, who are bring curious. Don't run, walk away, keep an eye on them. They'd probably back away if you started walking towards you, but don't test it out!!!

The important thing to remember is that cows are deeply stupid. This gets heightened around calving season (like, right now), and anything that moves too quickly is liable to be seen as a threat. Farmers and other people frequently get trampled by panicked cows, or crushed up against gates. If running with a dog, let go of the leash as the dog can run faster and the cows will likely pursue the dog instead. It's hard to tell sometimes if the calf is a way aways, but if you run between a cow and her calf it can upset the cow.

Bulls don't like sudden quick movements (hence in bullfighting, the waving of the flag - it's not the colour that sets them off, it's the movement) so slowwwww it down and keep eye contact. Back away and get somewhere safe.

If they're ambling too close or are blocking the path, shout at them and clap your hands. Also works for horses.

I quite like cows (especially dairy cows - they're quite sweet!) but they are big animals with small brains. Don't mess with them!

snickerscharlie wrote: »

pinuplove wrote: »

snickerscharlie wrote: »

But regardless, she was cow-ering in a tree because there was a lot at steak.

Now you're just milking the situation.

Too cheesy? I'm just glad she didn't get creamed.

That tree did help her bi-son time to escape.

I went on a course for dog walkers to learn how to deal with cattle in fields. Top takeaways:

- only worry about bulls or mothers with calves. Then you should be careful and avoid the field if possible.
- cows love to run and circle and are naturally curious. If you run they will chase you. If you stay still they might circle and try to lick you.
- bullocks (young males) may appear aggressive but are just energetic and curious.
- if they are following you, turn around to face them, raise your arms and shout calmly at them.

I got to meet lots of cows (fun) and run across a field enticing a whole herd to chase me. I then turned several times to shoo them away and it worked every time - they would back off and wait until I turned around again to run.

Basically, don't worry about it unless a bull or mothers with calves.

amskinner87 wrote: »

I went on a course for dog walkers to learn how to deal with cattle in fields. Top takeaways:

- only worry about bulls or mothers with calves. Then you should be careful and avoid the field if possible.
- cows love to run and circle and are naturally curious. If you run they will chase you. If you stay still they might circle and try to lick you.
- bullocks (young males) may appear aggressive but are just energetic and curious.
- if they are following you, turn around to face them, raise your arms and shout calmly at them.

I got to meet lots of cows (fun) and run across a field enticing a whole herd to chase me. I then turned several times to shoo them away and it worked every time - they would back off and wait until I turned around again to run.

Basically, don't worry about it unless a bull or mothers with calves.

this covers what was going to say.
cows are curious. some like attention. some like to be scratched on their forehead and between their ears.
but watch out for moms and bulls. and the bullocks may not mean to aggressive but due to their size, be wary.

@monkeefan1974 I'm not sure where you are, but down here in central North Carolina, we are starting to see more and more coyotes all times of the day. Our cows down here are (rightfully) terrified of them.Maybe they saw/smelled/sensed a predator? As for why the lead cow kept after you- maybe they thought you would lead them to safety?

OMG that face!

monkeefan1974 wrote: »

lorrpb wrote: »

What country are you in?
Oh my my, you were just out for a pleasant valley Sunday run. It's hard to believe at first, but with all the details, I'm a believer. I guess that cow wasn't born to follow. Next time just tell those cows you're not their stepping stone, then hop on the next train to Clarksville..Just remember, tomorrow's gonna be another day.
Sorry, I'll go now...

I’m in Northern California 😎

And that was BRILLIANT!!! You rock! 😃😃😃

I'm in northern CA too - east bay by Mt. Diablo. We have shared trails with dairy cows too - I'm wary even when I'm passing just a few off to the side (and nobody I've ever herd (ha!) of has ever been attacked). The worst was a couple of weeks ago when we passed a couple of dozen in a bunch, got intimidated by a small group that wouldn't move off the trail and decided to turn back. The big herd was ambling up the trail toward us and the small group had started to follow. Even yelling and waving at the herd didn't have much effect until we were within a few yards - honestly I was terrified!

earlnabby wrote: »

grinning_chick wrote: »

Horns/no horns have nothing to do with age; some breeds are naturally polled (hornless), and others have theirs removed as calves.

If not yearling bulls feeling that first rush of testosterone or mama cows with calves, truly just heifers (sub-adults), stand your ground and be aggressive back. If you run, they will chase you. Have a telescoping trekking pole with you. They are super pushy-curious and will half-circle/encircle you in the ducking/bobbing line of, but easy to fend off. The nose leather is the most sensitive part of if you have to poke/swat one with a pole tip. Clicking/clucking (like you do to a horse), whistling, and "shhhh, shhhh"ing sounds are what cattle are used to hearing to get them to move. Along with "Hup! Hup!" and "HA!" and "Get!" and other verbal yells you'd use to push/get something moving away from you.

If they are bulls, move slowly away and never take your eyes off of them. If you run, they will chase you and not be as benign as curious heifers.

And then there are the ones like we have around here that keep their horns.

My comment was made to correct the previously stated misconception that horns on cattle might somehow determine the age of said cattle, backing it up with facts. Pretty sure I did not say no cattle have horns.

For what it is worth, Scottish Highlands are pretty docile unless crap-bred, even with those horns (which are prized and so typically not dehorned). It's only the ones with horns with Bos Indicus vs. Bos Taurus you *really* have to worry about. Well, other than dairy bulls, horns or no. They are some of the worst, and they'll actually stalk you in the pens when you're preg checking.