Together on the mountain pasture
The correct behavior when encountering grazing animals
When I encounter alpine cattle while hiking, respectful behavior is required. To avoid unpleasant situations, I should follow a few recommendations and be aware of important animal behaviors.
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A distinction is made between three types based on the composition of the herd:
| Herd type | Important features |
|---|---|
| Suckler cow herd | Mother animals and their calves - Mother animals defend their calves, sometimes bulls are also present |
| Herd of young animals | Younger cattle - high-spirited, eager to move and curious |
| Herd of cows | Dairy cows - are milked, therefore used to close contact with humans |
The right behavior with grazing livestock
- Avoid contact with grazing livestock, do not feed animals, keep a safe distance!
- Keep calm, do not frighten grazing animals!
- Mother cows protect their calves, avoid encounters between mother cows and dogs!
- Always keep dogs under control and on a short lead . If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable: Unleash immediately!
- Do not leave hiking trails on mountain pastures and meadows!
- If grazing cattle block the path, keep as far away as possible!
- When approaching grazing cattle: stay calm, do not turn your back, avoid the animals!
- Leave the grazing area quickly at the first sign of animal restlessness!
- Pay attention to fences! If there is a gate, use it, then close it well and cross the pasture quickly!
- Treat the people working on the mountain pastures and meadows, nature and the animals with respect!