Meanwhile,
Cattle: cows stress higher than:
Animals in Switzerland
Watch out for cows! Furthermore, They are more stressed than usual – Cattle: cows stress higher than
In pastures. For example, the increasingly numerous passages of wolves, dogs, hikers and other bikes worry the herds. Meanwhile, As mothers defend their calves, prudence is essential.
A moment of stress on a pasture: a cow of 600 kilos is in the middle of the path. For example, The best to do is to get around it.
Imago/Jürgen Schwenkenbecher
- Cows lose their legendary calm on pastures.
- Boat attacks are increasing, especially in the presence of dogs.
- The reinforced maternal instinct and the presence of wolves make the cows nervous.
- Despite this, insects and dogs remain the first causes of accidents with animals in Switzerland.
Something has changed in pastures. Additionally, For example, Cows have lost their legendary phlegm. Consequently, It is no longer the peaceful ruminants that we imagine, and some hikers checked it at their expense.
A few days ago, in the Jura, a hiking enthusiast and her dog were loaded by a dozen mother cows. Nevertheless, The walker was a hospitality with the peronym and the broken ribs. Moreover, For his doctors, the walker is a miracle, because he could cattle: cows stress higher than have died in this misadventure, he explained at “24 hours”.
This case is not unique, far from it. Meanwhile, Last summer in Austria. However, a 40 -year -old walker was fatally trampled on the day of her birthday, when she crossed a herd with her two daughters and two dogs. For example, This tragedy had pushed gray farmers to install panels next to the cows where it was written: “Danger of death”.
Do we dramatize? For example, This is not the opinion of a group of British hikers also attacked by cattle who gathered to ring. Similarly, the alarm on the Internet. Similarly, They demand “safe trails for walkers”. Nevertheless, and invite victims of such incidents to report them on a site dedicated to “Killer cows”.
The English press has cattle: cows stress higher than taken hold of the case. Moreover, and we have read in serious newspapers that “cows are the deadliest animals in the United Kingdom” and that cattle kill more humans than sharks. Therefore, This is quite correct. Consequently, even if it should be specified here that meetings between cows and men are much more frequent, and that the attacks of sharks are much less lethal than we imagine (four dead last year).
Cattle: cows stress higher than
Cattle with stress
What’s going on on the mountain pastures? However, Swiss specialists evoke “the stress of cattle” which has increased sharply with the accumulation of changes. Consequently, increasing the risk of accidents.
In recent years, breeders have been allowing the calves to grow up with their mother. Similarly, The consequence of this practice. in addition to the well-being of cattle: cows stress higher than cattle, is an awakening of the maternal instinct of cows. Furthermore, “A mother next to her calf is much more dangerous than a bull. contrary to what we imagine after seeing many cartoons,” says Pascal Rofer, breeder and specialist in cattle behavior at Prometerre.
The herds are also affected by the presence of wolf packs. some of which attacked cattle, especially in the Joux valley. The cows that have seen these predators pass are much more nervous, report breeders (read below).
Slaloment bikes between cows
The third major change in the life of cows is the increase in the number of humans who now hurry on their territory. as well as their diversification. Cows cross more and more hikers, mushrooms and now cyclists, who sometimes have behaviors at risk.
“We see slalom bikes between the cows. Some walkers try to caress them, and others have even tried the rodeo. And when there is an accident, it will still be our fault, ”says an exasperated breeder.
This is also why information campaigns are increasing. Agricultural associations as well as Swiss Rando and BPA are now trying to make humans aware of this problem.
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Despite some spectacular accidents. it remains difficult to believe that you should be wary of Marguerite Because it sometimes makes cowards. In the land of cows. one has the cattle: cows stress higher than impression that people are more aware of good practices that are essential when you come across a herd.
A hundred accidents each year with cows
However. this risk is not negligible, even if cows are not the most dangerous animal in Switzerland. According to SUVA, cattle represent only 1% of accidents involving animals, or 470 cases between 2019 and 2023.
In our regions. The most dangerous animals For humans are insects and ticks (24,000 cases of bites that required consultation in a health professional, 53% of the total accidents with animals). Next come the dog bites (7,700 cases, 17%of the total), cat bites and scratches (5,500 cases, 12%) and accidents with horses (5,400 cases, 12%).
Precision that counts: SUVA surveys “only take into account active people. The unemployed. cattle: cows stress higher than people for the benefit of an AI annuity, like children and seniors, are not included in these figures, nor the tourists that we often forget, “said spokesperson Nadia Gendre.
We must therefore imagine that this small hundred annual accidents is an underestimated figure. since many seniors and other tourists are also hikers. Which should encourage us to become much more attentive to hiking.
According to SUVA, cattle represent only 1% of accidents involving animals, or 470 cases between 2019 and 2023.
Imago/Zonar
How to cross cows without problem
Pascal RUFER is breeder and specialist in cattle behavior at Prometrere. He warns: “The dog is your main risk.”
Pascal RUFER, animal production manager at Prometerre. Photo Yvain Genevay / Le Matin Sunday
Yvain Genevay
What should we know when. we go for a walk in a place where there are cows?
In a standard meadow, the animals are quietly behind the fence. The basic rule is not to enter the enclosure, it will save you a lot of concerns. Then there are cases where walkers meet a herd in the mountains, or on a hiking trail. When you have to cross the territory of the herd, you have to get around the animals when possible.
For what?
Stop. observe them and quietly pass offshore before resuming the path, it gives cows time to locate you and take the measure of the problem. They will understand that your passage does not concern them. If you go cattle: cows stress higher than away, which is the second basic rule, there is no reason why it goes wrong. Avoid looking in the eye again, because some animals will see a sign of attack or aggressiveness.
What if I go by bike?
The rule is the same, you have to get around the herd. Then, it is better to get down from his machine, and pass by walking and pushing his bike. What you can do with worse is rolling fast in the middle of the cows. They risk being afraid and having a sudden reaction.
Can I caress a little calf?
In general, it is better to avoid caressing the cows, even if some seem nice and quiet. And above all, never stroke a calf on a pasture. Even if he looks alone and he’s cute, his mother cattle: cows stress higher than is certainly not far away. If she sees a walker approaching her little one, she will consider this as an attack and will defend him. When you cross a herd, also avoid passing between mothers and the little ones, for the same reasons.
And when I have a dog, what am I doing?
The dog is your main risk. Because cattle are struggling to differentiate them from wolves. For them, it is a very great threat. They will take the dog for a predator and could attack it. And currently, you come across many herds that have seen wolves pass, or even have been attacked. So if you want to be quiet, don’t take your dog with you when you come across cows.
If it happens, what do I do?
Put it on a leash, cattle: cows stress higher than keep it near you and go as far as possible from the herd. And if the cows pretend to attack, let go of the dog. He will run faster than the cows and be able to escape. Last year. there was a big accident on a pasture, when a walker took his dog in his arms to protect him, which did not prevent the attack.
We do not see where the danger is with a cow. In the imaginations, it is a peaceful vegetarian. Is that wrong?
Not all cows are aggressive, but we must start from the principle that some are. And. contrary to what we see in the films, the most dangerous meeting is not that with a bull, but when you meet a cow with young calves.
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Further reading: 10.9% more surveys in 2024 – Switzerland has attracted a “new audience”, according to Dominique Blanc – Silvan Betschart, the man who “smells” time – Friborg: Denis Vipret has the RTS surveys deploy – Euro 2025: Iman Beney, the revelation of the Swiss team.
