How about some tips on how to avoid confrontation with cows on our hiking adventures. A family friend was hiking up Mission Peak near Fremont, CA recently and was attacked by a bull. She has sustained very serious injuries and is in a lot of pain. Please advise of any suggestions you have in regards to this unfortunate incident.
Cows generally are nonaggressive unless they perceive a threat to their offspring. Bulls can be aggressive by nature, but they are most dangerous when they feel their herd is being threatened.
When hiking, if you spot some cows, keep calm and move slowly. Never try to walk through the herd, but choose a path that takes you around them.
Cows can’t see straight ahead very well — their eyes are more toward the sides of their skulls. If they suddenly catch sight of you, it might startle them and cause a response. If you aren’t sure they’ve seen you, speak calmly and quietly until you’re sure they are aware of your presence.
Never get between a calf and its mom. Mothers are extremely protective and will charge you.
If you’re hiking with a dog, get control of your pet immediately. The cows may not be able to distinguish your dog from a coyote, and they will go into protection mode.
Most important, if you don’t feel comfortable, turn back or find another path. Better to be safe.
The following are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
Copyright © 2011-2023 Internet Brothers. All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2324-6057
Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by Wordpress | Logo by Design Aspirations