The right way to handle grazing livestock

Most of the alpine pastures in the Almenland Nature Park are grazed. This ensures that the alpine pastures do not become overgrown and continue to be available to our guests as a wonderful hiking area. As a rule, the cattle are herded from the beginning of June and remain on the alpine pastures until the end of September.

Tour suggestions with a dog

To avoid unpleasant encounters with grazing cattle, you should adhere to the following basic rules - so that your hike is not only enjoyable, but also safe:
 

• As a hiker, you should never leave the marked trails.
• When crossing a mountain pasture, it is important to keep calm, avoid hectic movements at all costs and refrain from imitating "cow sounds".
• If "intruders" are noticed by the cattle, they generally move away. They only attack if they feel cornered or threatened.
• You can gain the animals' trust by talking to them calmly, moving slowly and avoiding any hectic pace or noise.
• Always walk past a herd of cattle at the side, preferably above the herd. Avoid passing through the middle of the herd if possible.
• If you get the impression that the herd is restless, it is better to take a detour.
• If possible, you should dodge upwards, with a minimum distance of approx. 50 m.
• In the event of an attack, do not run away under any circumstances. Retreat slowly and without taking your eyes off the animals.  
• Take a stick with you when crossing pastures. Threatening gestures with the stick and loud shouting can make aggressive animals turn back. However, blows and fast, hectic movements, such as waving sticks and arms, should be avoided.
• Where there are whole families of cattle, cows with their calves and perhaps even a bull on the mountain pasture, special care is required! Cows will always protect and defend their calves. Therefore, never get too close to calves or even stroke them

On the road with a dog

Dogs are perceived by cattle, and especially suckler cows, as potential enemies. The following behavioral measures ensure the safety of humans and dogs:

• Before hiking with a dog, you should clarify whether you have to cross a pasture and look for alternatives if necessary. 
• Always keep dogs on a leash and, if possible, keep them in the middle of the group.
• Make sure that the dog behaves calmly. If it reacts to cattle by barking, grazing livestock should be avoided.
• If an attack by cattle is unavoidable, let the dog off the lead immediately. This means that the dog is the target of the attack and the danger is averted from humans. Dogs are usually fast enough to escape an attack by cattle. Never pick up a dog and try to defend it.

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