Scary Cows

Rambling Rob · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 10:08 AM

Skirting around the edge of a field so as not to walk through a herd of cattle I found this beautiful fox fast asleep in the grass,

Got a couple of shots but then the fox woke up with a start and darted into the hedge. Looking round I found all the cows which had been walking away were now coming briskly towards me, and not looking at all friendly. I tried looking confident, attempted 'ushering' them away but this only wound them up further and they charged - about 20, now only five yards from me.

It was some 50 yards to the stile out of that field and I ran for my life. Just made it.

Since I did nothing to alarm the cows and, until the fox was startled, they'd ignored me, I am assuming the fox sent out some threatening/ alarm signal only sensed by other animals, the cows looked round, saw me but no fox and assumed I was the threat.

What does anyone else think? Ever had a similar experience? I think the bottom line is, always give animals plenty of space, domesticated or not, and if in a field of animals keep your eye on the exit at all times.

Gill Catton · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 10:20 AM

a herd of cow has a lot of eyes and some of them would have been watching you particularly since they've probably been in that field long enough to be a bit bored with it.

They probably saw the fow jump up and I'm not sure what they thing of foxes but I know dogs can make them act like this.

I'm also not sure of the cows thought you were a threat they just get very exuberant and run and run esp when spurred on by the presence of a dog (or perhaps even a fox).....

There are two herds of heifers (teenage cows if you like) that I have to negotiate on a site in Devon and altough they do come racing towards me, they always stop when they get close and then we just play grandmother's footsteps around the rest of the field. but they are friesians and so quite predictable in their behaviour - not something that can be said for all breeds (i think those cream and caramel coloured beef cattle - Charolais? can be a bit dodgy) and if they were adult cows with calves or if there was a bull in with them I wouldn't go in the field full stop!! Yes you're right about keeping an exit in view and treating animals with respect.

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 11:09 AM

Did the cows have calfs? They can be very protective of their young. I don't mind walking amongst cows but never when they have calfs - too dangerous.

Mungo · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 11:26 AM

What a fabulous sight that must have been - aawwwww

As for the cows, you won't catch me anywhere near a cow field

Rambling Rob · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 11:28 AM

There were no calves in the field. Not sure on the breed - mostly dark brown, I think, beefy looking animals, surprisingly fleet of foot (or hoof). And I'm a vegetarian anyway - not fair.

Rob

Fieldfare95 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 05:35 PM

That picture is stunning-well worth a chase from a herd of angry cows

ellen h · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fieldfare95

That picture is stunning-well worth a chase from a herd of angry cows

Have to agree,what a lovely photo

ellen

Dutchess · #8 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 06:04 PM

I always had the thought that it was the dairy cows that are least predicatable? Maybe some farming person will enlighten us on that one...

The picture brought a lump to my throat, I saw a fox cub curled up just like that on Sunday. Unfortunately, the lil chap was dead, a victim of road kill

Perfect little thing, about the size of a small cat. I picked it up and threw it into the hedgerow, to be covered by brambles and general undergrowth. It was already festering in the hot sun

D.

ron1863 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 06:17 PM

I photographed one last year that was curled up on a grassy bank apparantly asleep but as I quietly approached I could see that it was watching me with one eye. I got to within around 20 yards when he stood up and walked into the forest. A lovely moment for me.

Meta menardi · #10 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 06:49 PM

Many traits can be bred into cattle, one of the most easy is docility, so most cattle have become much more placid. Charolais cattle are pretty well creamy in colour, you may be thinking of Limousin cattle if they are creamy and brown. I find unknown cattle something I want to watch carefully, being brave with animals that big is foolhardy, but by and large cattle are fairly safe to walk through.

Quite some time ago I was asked to go and milk for the guy down the road as he had medical probs. I went down about 5.00 am to get the cows in, there was a lovely mist promising a hot day soon. As I called them in and walked the field, out of the mist loomed a very large bull, kicking up lumps of turf and having a good roar. Well, I just let him go through the parlour with the cows and didn't attempt to put the machine on him. The guy I was milking for said that he was harmless.

O dog or a fox is a real No-No with cattle, fatalities have occurred where people have kept their dog close to them and the cattle have gone for the dog. Always let the dog go, it will be OK as it is faster than cattle.