Proper Etiquette Around Grazing Animals on Alpine Pastures

Proper Behavior Around Grazing Animals

During your hikes in the alpine meadows, it's particularly important to maintain a respectful interaction with the grazing animals present there. These creatures are inherently peaceful and calm. By following the following advice, you can avoid potential conflicts with the animals:

Stay on the path and do not leave marked trails. If an animal is blocking your path, go round it.
Keep your distance: give the animals space, avoid contact and do not pet or feed them.
Keep calm: cows have a limited field of vision and are easily scared. Make sure you can be seen in good time and move quietly.
Mother animals are highly sensitive: avoid approaching young animals or putting yourself between an animal and its mother.
Keep all dogs on a lead: grazing animals often feel threatened by dogs, so keep your four-legged friend on a lead.

Have I gotten too close to the grazing animal?

Grazing animals give indications when you get too close or when they perceive you as a potential threat. You can recognize this through the following signs:

Signal no. 1: the animal stares at you – it sees you as a potential danger and wants to keep an eye on you.
Signal no. 2: the animal lowers its head and glares at you – it is thinking of attacking.
Signal no. 3: the animal charges at you – you should now at the very latest retreat to a safe distance.

What to do in case of an attack?

Follow these steps if the animal displays any of the aforementioned signals:

Move away as slowly and calmly as possible from the animal without turning your back.
Let your dog off its lead and it will run away from the animal without any problem.
If nothing else helps, try to intimidate the animal: shouting loudly and confidently or waving a stick will scare it away.