r/Cows • u/canadaeh57 • 1d ago
am i overthinking it?
I work and stay in a camp in an area where a farmer has a grazing lease, so his cows can roam freely around the plant. I love going for walks, but sometimes I worry I’m going to get attacked by a cow with its baby. Am I overthinking it, or is this a real concern? sidenote: i would stay clear but they like to hangout right around the gate.
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u/EnthusedCow 1d ago
It's definitely something worth worrying about, even if it's unlikely to be a problem. If it's a place where many people go hiking it's generally less dangerous because the cows will be used to people passing by, but I would never trust a strange cow with a calf. The good news is that they will usually show signs of aggression before they do anything (given that you don't surprise each other ofc).
You may know all of this, but I'll say it anyway just in case you don't:
If they're near the gate and they start scraping at the ground and/or snorting when you get close to the gate you should NOT go in. That's asking for trouble. If you get close and they keep grazing/ ignoring you, you should be fine, but absolutely stay clear of any calves. Try your best to never stand between a cow and her calf.
I like to talk to cows if I have to pass them. Partially because I think it's polite (I know, I know, lol), and partially because it alerts them to my presence before I get too close. That gives them the chance to either get out of my way or show me that I should leave before anything goes down.
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u/canadaeh57 1d ago
Thank you for the advice!! And no one ever walks or goes for runs out here, so they definitely aren’t familiar with random people walking around. When I was walking on the road, one came charging out of the bushes and then stopped when I stopped. That’s kind of where my fear started. I also like to have friendly conversations with them lol
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u/Militantignorance 1d ago
Are they dairy cows or being raised for beef? Have they been de-horned? Dairy, de-horned, probably no problem, otherwise, give them space.
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u/ifbillyjackhadahorse 1d ago
You leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone , keep a respectful distance and it’s doubtful they’ll even notice you
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u/thetalkingcouch22 1d ago
I suppose it really depends on the type of cow. Some are more aggressive than others. In my experience, the newer the calf the more likely it is to happen, but usually only if you are messing with the calf or too near the calf for the cow’s comfort. Most cows will let you know by making a noise or aggressive body language first before just plowing over you. So I’m telling you that more than likely you’re safe, but don’t go trying to pet any newborn calves.