Cows attack pairs: a dog saves the situation!

Cows attack pairs: a dog saves the situation!

On Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2025, a couple from Upper Austria experienced a dangerous situation while hiking in Heiligenblut on the Großglockner. According to Oe24 , the two hikers, a 40-year-old man and his 44-year-old partner, were slightly injured on an alpine path in the Bruchetalm at around 3:40 p.m. They had their white shepherd and were on a gravel path when they met a group of grazing cows.

The cows were frightened by the dog and tried to attack it. In the attempt to save the dog, the man let go of the leash so that the dog could flee. As a result, the cows that were between the couple and the dog attacked the couple with their heads and horns. Only the approach of a car ensured that the cows dropped from the couple and the incident ended. Fortunately, the dog was unharmed and could be captured again.

injuries and dangers on Almwegen

Both hikers suffered minor injuries from the attack, which came as a surprise when they were at about 1,600 meters above sea level. According to Kleine Zeitung It is important to exercise caution in such situations. Cows are usually peaceful, but can become aggressive when it comes to threatening danger, especially when it comes to their calves.

To deal with dogs safely in nature, there are tips on Mein-wanderhund.de . Dog owners should leash their animals and adhere to the cows of 30 to 50 meters. The stroking or feeding the animals is considered to be extremely dangerous. During the pasture season, which lasts from mid -May to mid -September, hikers should be particularly careful.

security measures and rules of conduct

If cows become restless, it is advisable to take a detour and keep distance. In an emergency, the dog should be turned out while the leash is held in the hand. Hikers should keep calm and not run away so as not to provoke the cows.

The experiences of the Upper Austrian couple are an urgent reference to the potential dangers that can occur between dogs and cows. Alm farmers are unsettled by such incidents and consider to ban dogs on alpine pastures in order to avoid future incidents. These incidents illustrate the importance of security for hikes in rural areas.