Any tips for hiking safely among cows (and bulls?)?

January 11, 2007 7:02 PM

Any tips for hiking safely among cows (and bulls?)?

Once a week, a friend and I hike up a local hill at 5:30am. For part of this walk we cut through a paddock full of cows (and one or two beasts that look more like bulls to me). So far we have faced nothing but mild curiosity from the animals, but being big city folk, it kind of freaks us out. Should we be worried? Is there a particular time of year we should be worried(we are in Northern California)? is there any particular way we should react if attacked?

posted by mechantbruce to sports, hobbies, & recreation (28 comments total)

I heard that running in a circle is the best thing if charged. cows are not agile. also run across a creek or depression in the ground. cows have terrible eyesight and they will not cross over someting they perceive as a hole in the ground.

I performed archeological surveys on a ranch once and i know what you mean by being "freaked out". they are big animals.

cows
posted by Paleoindian at 7:16 PM on January 11, 2007

Well, the obvious is be careful. Especially around the bulls. I would not get around them if at all possible. I had a friend that actually got kicked by one and it damn near killed him. If they are in mating season then I would steer clear as in a fence between you and the animal. For the most part cows are domesticated animals and should not pose much of a threat. In fact they might be glad to see you as it could signal in their minds that some human is coming to feed them. The "bulls" might be neutered if they are intermixed with the cows in which case will pose no threat. Thinking about it more, why don't you ask the farmer?
posted by bkeene12 at 7:20 PM on January 11, 2007

Cows are usually fairly timid. Bulls are not. Have you gotten permission from the landowner to cut through this area? They should be able to tell you if those are bulls or steers if you are unclear on the point (look underneath).

I've never had any problem with being attacked by cows, usually the trouble is they are standing/running to an area where you don't want them. They can step on your feet if you get close though. If they have young calves stay away.
posted by yohko at 7:31 PM on January 11, 2007

It's pretty easy to tell if they are bulls or not ;) If they are bulls I'd ask the farmer. Some bulls are friendly, others are .. not.

Cows are generally harmless and will do no more than stare at you eerily with the occasional madcap frolic around you if they're feeling frisky. Having said that I've been chased out of a few fields by them in the past and if they make you nervous I would recommend carrying something you can wave around like a maniac while yelling at the top of your lungs if they decide to mug you. A floppy hat or a bushy stick will work well.

Other than that, just don't try to pet the babies or back one into a corner and I'm sure you'll be fine.

If it's any comfort I grew up in cattle country and never heard of anyone actually getting trampled to death by a cow.
posted by fshgrl at 7:32 PM on January 11, 2007

I was in Uganda this summer, and cows were everywhere. They just wander the streets. No one pays them any mind. The most frightened I was the whole trip was walking home after dark, next to a big cow. (Ohh, did I mention these cows have HUGE horns? Well they do.) I was afraid she would turn to look at me and gore me. Another time, we were in a more rural area, walking on a path through a field, and several cows were blocking the way. The locals just swat thier behinds a little and they move.

All that to say...I wouldn't worry about it. They are just cows.
posted by clh at 7:33 PM on January 11, 2007

You can ask the farmer who owns the bovines whether the ones that look like bulls are actually bulls or if they are, ahem, neutered. Mostly, just don't startle them, and you'll be fine. They're really not interested in you unless they think you have food, so avoid where ever it is that they're fed (usually fairly obvious in my experience). If you do happen to get a little close to one of them, speak loudly but don't yell -- it will help them, like any large animal that doesn't see very well behind itself -- to know where you are, and whatever you do move moderately and deliberately. Thrashing around will make you look dangerous, so unless you are actually being chased, don't phsycially freak out. If these cows are close enough to people that you're walking through their little area, I'm gonna bet they are pretty used to people, so they know what you are. Respect the fact that they weigh 2000 pounds or whatever and don't act silly, and all will be well.

Besides, if they scare you, you can just go cow-tipping later.

I am not actually serious. Cow-tipping can kill cows and that is bad. Don't kill cows via cow-tipping.
posted by Medieval Maven at 7:36 PM on January 11, 2007

Do not get in a bull paddock. Bulls are dangerous and can kill you and they can move far, far faster than you think. If you find yourself in a bull paddock, back away slowly until you are over the fence.

It would be very unlikely in these days of artificial insemination to run bulls with cows though.

Cows are unlikely to attack you. If they circle around you, it's because you're very interesting and a bit freaky. Stand tall, walk slowly, and they will retreat.

Read about the flight zone here and use it to your advantage if a cow is in your way. If you want to google around, "stock handling cattle" is a good start.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 7:37 PM on January 11, 2007

Odds are that you're safe; cows are easily spooked and weirded out, but they are also pretty good at judging what is a threat and what isn't. They're probably getting used to you and your friend by now. Like most animals, if you leave them alone and respect their space, they'll probably do the same.

Just keep an eye open and a good distance - and a fence, if possible - between you and them during mating season, when things get unpredictable. The cattle I've encountered (What a dorky thing to say) have been pretty damn fast and agile; check the area for something you can climb onto or get over quickly, just in case.

Seconding the "Ask the farmer" advice. He may not want you on his property period, regardless of whether or not you are agitating his animals.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 7:41 PM on January 11, 2007

wow, my first post and some great answers - thank you.
WRT asking the farmer, we are hiking at 5:30am so are unlikely to see the farmer. There is a very public trail where we go, but the public entrance is closed at night, and that is what is making us cut through the paddock (without permission) to join the trail further up. even if we went back during the day, i have no idea how to find the farmer.
its not the cows that worry me so much as the considerable larger beast that I assume is a bull (only seen in very low light or at a distance). Given it is with the cows it does seem likely that it is neutered.
Some responses mentioned avoiding during breeding season, I assume that is spring? Can you be more specific (Northern California).
posted by mechantbruce at 7:57 PM on January 11, 2007

While you don't mention what part of the world you're in, in the midwest US, at least, it's still highly likely that it is an in-tact bull, especially if it's only in with the cows part of the year, and if it's a relatively small farm. (Artificial Insemination isn't worth the cost to a lot of small-time farmers.)
I would third the advice of asking the farmer's permission, as well as about the disposition of the bull - as far as finding him, just find the nearest farmhouse and ask, "Hey, who owns (or farms) that land down the road? Know how I'd get in touch with him?"
As others have mentioned, in general, cows are pretty docile animals, and won't bother you unless you surprise them from behind or are trying to get them to do something they don't want to do. Bulls can be more jumpy, and can behave somewhat erratically, but if they're being run with the cattle, they're probably a bit more laid back and less likely to bug you.
(Note: I grew up on a cattle farm which was actively farmed until my dad died 5 years ago.)
On preview, breeding season can be just about anytime; it's mostly when the farmer feels it's convenient for him. My dad usually planned breeding season for late spring, so the calves would be arriving in the fall/winter, so that he wasn't trying to deal with crops/hay and new calves arriving.
posted by jferg at 8:16 PM on January 11, 2007

I would worry more about the farmer. Some are very sensitive to trespassing and I have actually been threatened at close range with a shotgun. (the land had been owned by a logging company and abandoned for years, but recently sold, we did not know) It was scary to say the least. The man was so mad he was trembling.
posted by vronsky at 8:30 PM on January 11, 2007

No need to risk trouble with bulls or farmers. Find out who's in charge of that gate lock.

If it's a public trail you can often arrange to get the key, or combination, pretty easily. I earned the combination to a locked trail of a CA State Park by attending a short lecture and promising not to share the combo with others who hadn't been similarly initiated. Our county's parks hand out their keys (and a few extra incentives) to anyone who'll commit to open the gate at dawn once a week. They're thrilled any time they can avoid spending their meager budget on sending ranger to go out there.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 9:05 PM on January 11, 2007

Well, the answers here have been entertaining to say the least. Cows are very curious animals & will stop & stare & often want to come over to investigate - young cattle will spook very easily & run; older cows, less so depending on breed. However, if there are small calves with the cows, avoid them. They can be extremely protective, can charge you & can absolutely kill you. If there is a bull in with them, no, he is NOT neutered! (bulls are still used ALL of the time here in cattle country - we have 10) I would avoid them, too. They can be very unpredictable & as someone above mentioned, they can move amazingly fast. If a bull is with the cows - it's breeding season. There isn't a season per se, cows cycle much like humans. If they are with the cows - no, they are not less likely to bug you. They are territorial when they are with their cows - their harem. Again, some breeds are less aggressive than others. General rule after all of this swirl, just walk by. I wouldn't encourage you to walk directly through a herd but I gather they are usually at a fair distance - so I wouldn't sweat it. They're not going to charge across the pasture just so they can trample a couple of humans. They're no doubt just curious. You are something new & interesting in what is just another day of eating grass.
posted by ranchgirl7 at 11:04 PM on January 11, 2007

Seriously, where I live (New Zealand) most dairy farmers do AI, and don't run bulls. I just assumed that North America would be similar.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 11:20 PM on January 11, 2007

Yes, most dairy cattle are AI'd in the US as are many registered beef herds, but at the same time most beef herds here in the midwest rely on bulls. Plus if there is a bull with cows - he's working.
posted by ranchgirl7 at 11:49 PM on January 11, 2007

Seriously, where I live (New Zealand) most dairy farmers do AI, and don't run bulls. I just assumed that North America would be similar.

When I was an undergrad we looked at AI, and apparently NZ uses it way more than other places because we're physically smaller (less transport time) and because we developed the world-leading technology in how to transport sperm (so we're better at it than anywhere else). That was ten years ago but I still wouldn't correlate our farming practises elsewhere, particularly not to the US where things are different in many ways (that last sentance-half is a lot more up to date than ten years).

To the original poster: you're walking through a farmers paddock without permission? You realise you could be tracking in all kinds of parasites or other problems on your shoes? Managing parasites in paddocks is a big issue (both grass-eating parasites and ones that get into the animals) and you really don't want to be messing it up. Instead of worrying about the cows I'd worry more about good farm etiquitte, i.e. don't go anywhere you don't explicitly have permission to go.

I'm almost loath to add extra cow-dealing advice because you just really really should'n't be in there. But I'm also a city girl and have worked with cows and there a few extra points.

Cows are by nature curious and not aggressive. But they are also large and very strong. The main farm accident for dairy farmers is broken bones and crush injuries from cows. The risk of injury is real although fairly easily managed. Don't get between them and a fence or tree or anything they can pin you to. This was number one advice when I started working with the cattle. They may just be having fun with you, they may do it on purpose, either way you can get really hurt. Cows can't see directly behind them. Don't sneak up on them, approach from the side. That's the number two advice I was given. Lastly, don't startle them. Walk calmly and confidently, no big movements or loud noises. Go about your business and keep an eye on them. A kick from a cow can do a lot of damage. Steers are generally the same as cows, bulls I have no clue and you're best avoiding entirely.

My personal advice, if you drop something in the field they will go investigate and it will end up totally and utterly covered in snot. Cows are very snotty.

But really, track down the farmer. Check what you're doing is OK. Until then, stay out of the paddock.
posted by shelleycat at 12:03 AM on January 12, 2007

good farm etiquitte,

Ug. Good farm etiquette would be better.
posted by shelleycat at 12:05 AM on January 12, 2007

mechantbruce : 5:30am so are unlikely to see the farmer. There is a very public trail where we go, but the public entrance is closed at night,

You'd be surprised. My dairy farming Wife's family here in Wisconsin is out and about at 5:30am. It depends on the season, but expect farmers to be up very very early.

and that is what is making us cut through the paddock (without permission) to join the trail further up. even if we went back during the day,

As others have said, I'd be more afraid of the farmer than any of the cattle. They take the protection of their herds quite seriously.

i have no idea how to find the farmer.

I've been in a similar situation when trying to photograph some horses. Usually I'll find the nearest house and just ask "Hey, I want to go over that land, but I don't want to upset anyone, do you know who I can ask for permission?" Give people a reason for your presence, and they will often be plenty forthcoming.

All that said, cows are just really big stupid sweet rabbits. Terrible vision, scared of everything, but relatively decent hearing. Some bells might be of use to you. At the very least, they would know you are coming and not be spooked by your appearance.

I was going to suggest a switch or stick or something, because I've seen plenty of farmers use this a a way to move their cows around. But I would try to dissuade you from doing anything that could be considered aggressive to the herd until you have cleared your presence with the animal's keeper.

As to the possibility of bulls, well they can kill you. So if you actually dealing with a bull, avoid the hell out of it. And for the love of god, don't go near their young. But generally bulls are housed separately for quite a bit of the year, so unless you are extremely unlucky, it's likely that you are not actually seeing what you think you are seeing.

Honestly, if this is a regular walk, find the farmer. Ask permission, and then ask the important questions. And be clear what your purpose is and that you will do nothing to harm their land (littering, ATVing, etc). I have yet to meet a farmer who will chase me off his land after understanding my reasons for being there and asking his permission to cross his land. Most of the time, they offer me the full tour. [if offered, take it. Seriously]
posted by quin at 12:07 AM on January 12, 2007

One point with cattle not mentioned so far is that their natural curiosity (boredom?) might bring them galloping or galumphing over to check you out. That's not an attack! Don't run from the herd just because they're coming closer; they do stop at a reasonably cautious distance. (Advice above about cows with calves, contacting farmer, etc. still applies.)
posted by anadem at 12:16 AM on January 12, 2007

shelleycat : Cows are very snotty.

I had forgotten about that, but I couldn't have said it better. Yeah. the shelly-feline here wins the game with this really useful observation. Cows are sweet stupid huge animals. Most of that you can avoid. But they are also curious, and... well, snotty. Sometimes grossly so. A failure to understand this point will most likely not get you injured. But it might ruin a nice shirt and pair of pants.

But really, track down the farmer. Check what you're doing is OK. Until then, stay out of the paddock.

And here we see that my overly verbose comment could have been parsed down to this excellent statement.
posted by quin at 12:17 AM on January 12, 2007

Hee, their tongues fit up their noses too. Just to increase the snottiness.
posted by shelleycat at 12:32 AM on January 12, 2007

I just want to say that if you encounter any bison, back up slowly until you're out of their sight, and then run like hell. I went rambling around once near Domino Farms, and encountered this. They seem a LOT bigger when there's no fence between them and you, believe me.

"Although they are not carnivorous, they will attack humans if provoked. They appear slow because of their lethargic movements, but they can easily outrun humans—they have been observed running as fast as 35 miles per hour (56 kilometres per hour). Between 1978 and 1992, over four times as many people in Yellowstone National Park were killed or injured by bison as by bears (12 by bears, 56 by bison). Bison also have the unexpected ability, given the animal's size and body structure, to leap over a standard barbed-wire fence."

Shit shit shiiiiit!
posted by Liosliath at 12:51 AM on January 12, 2007

Here is some information from a cattle owner.

I am not commenting on crossing property without permission.

Most of the time, there are only mature females (the cows), immature females (heifers) and castrated males (steers) in pasture. In general, none of them will care if you are there or not. Sometime one may want to take a closer look at you, normally not a threat. However sometimes an adolescent how has discovered that he or she is low ranking in the herd will find you interesting. Not out of curiosity, but to show you that you rank beneath them. These are the ones you will likely have to worry about.

If they are running cows and heifers together, then you may have to be careful. Not at much as with the adolescents, but you do. If they are in 'heat' at that time they may try to mount you. Obviously if a 700-1,800 lb/310-815 kg animal is mounting you, you can get hurt. Yes, the females could attempt to mount you.

Most ranchers have a separate pasture for their bulls. They only run the bulls with the animals they want to calf at a certain time, then the bulls go back to their own pasture. If they are a larger operation they may have a few bulls and rotate them in and out. If they are a smaller operation, like we are, we 'rent' a bull and run it in the pasture until the females have been bred and past a heat cycle indicating that they are pregnant. The bulls are in general a lot larger than the females, perhaps 200-500 lbs/90-225 kg more and are far more muscular. If you can see between their rear legs, the bulls will "hang down" as far at 2 ft/.7m beneath their body.

If there is a bull in a pasture, stay out of it.

let me repeat: If there is a bull in a pasture, stay out of it.


So, in short;
1. You may be fine, most of the animals are very gentle and docile.
2. Try to avoid any adolescents, the smaller ones, that may check you out.
3. Avoid any of them in 'heat'.
4. Obviously avoid the bulls.
5. Remember, cattle run a LOT faster than you at 30 mph/45 kph, have four wheel (leg) drive, and can hurt you.


p.s. We do have great photos of my two nephews and a niece all riding one of our cows, together. They can be nice, but you wont know which are nice and which are not...
posted by Leenie at 1:46 AM on January 12, 2007

I second the advice given by ranchgirl7 and Leenie. I would add the following:-

If the cows have calves with them do not get between any cow and her calf. This applies at any distance between the two. It's the quickest way to fire up defensive behaviour in a cow and you are very likely to be injured. Despite some opinions to the contrary, cows are both fast and agile.
posted by Arqa at 2:09 AM on January 12, 2007

>one or two beasts that look more like bulls

One bull is a possibility, but I'd be surprised at two. What do these "other" bovines look like that makes you think they're not cows? As others have posted, it ought to be pretty easy for you to tell the difference...
posted by AmbroseChapel at 3:49 AM on January 12, 2007

1) Cows are incredibly stupid. Expect them to do dumb shit. But in almost all cases they are harmless.
2) Avoid bulls.
3) Never get between a cow and her calf. And calves won't help with that, so just avoid them altogether.
4) Use the "lost keys" approach. Actively ignore the cows. Look at the ground as if searching for keys, wander a bit, vary your pace, move along like you have someplace else to be.
posted by Devidicus at 6:15 AM on January 12, 2007

I have nothing to add, however, an anecdote: I have two aquaintances who were gored by bulls (cows?) (in Africa) in separate countries. One received serious damage to the vagina area, the other received serious damage to the anus area. Just sayin'.
posted by Amizu at 8:33 AM on January 12, 2007

For those interested and who don't live "out west" there are many instances where ranchers have their cows graze on public lands where people run, bike, jog, etc. It is my guess that the poster is not running on somone's actual farm. It is a deal set up by the local forest/park rangers and the ranchers and the assumption is that the public will play along with everything accordingly - this means closing all gates behind you and ignoring the wildlife.

For instance, in the Marin Headlands - just north of San Francisco - the Golden Gate Recreation Area lets ranchers graze their cattle on the land that is popular by the city dwellers to use for mountain biking and running. I've been through this area several times and the cows (didn't really see any bulls) are fairly docile - perhaps even more docile than regular farm cows because they see hikers, runners, and mountain bikers all the time. You are an interesting curiosity and as long as you are not being belligerent to the cows then they will have no problem with you...just move along as usual.

It is also my guess that the deal the park service as set up with the ranchers is constructed in such a way to make it very safe for people using the park/forest area. I would be this means castrated bulls only if any bulls at all, etc.

I've also gone trail running in several of the open spaces in the east bay with no problems from the cows, fwiw.
posted by rlef98 at 12:47 PM on January 12, 2007