Cows attack hikers: couple injured in Heiligenblut!

Cows attack hikers: couple injured in Heiligenblut!

Bruchetalm, Kärnten, Österreich - A couple from Upper Austria experienced an unpleasant incident on Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2025, in Heiligenblut on the Großglockner. The two hikers, a 40-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, made her way with her white shepherd and were attacked by cows. The hurtful cows initially noticed the dog and reacted by wanting to attack him, which led to a chaotic moment on the alpine path. According to Sn.at , the whole thing occurred at around 3:40 p.m. in a popular hiking area near the LEIGHTERBACH WARLERFALL at around 1,590 to 1,600 meters above sea level.

The incident

The couple was on a gravel path in the "Bruchetalm" when the grazing cows became aware of their dog. The man held his dog on a short leash, which ultimately led the cows in their defense reaction to steal the couple with their heads and horns. To protect the dog, the Lord released the leash, which further escalated the situation. The couple found themselves between a fleeing dog and attacking cows and was slightly injured. Fortunately, after the intervention of an accidentally passing car, they were able to flee the cows. The dog remained unharmed after the incident and could later be captured, calm .

It is known that cows, especially suckling cows, have a strongly pronounced protection instinct for their calves. They not only react to self -protection, but also to defend their offspring. For this reason, it is advisable to keep dogs on a leash if you hike over pasture surfaces. This helps to control the dog's hunting instinct and not to worry the cows unnecessarily. In an attack, you should take off the dog so that you yourself have time to flee, such as Br.de Warns.

hikers should also close gate that you pass back to prevent an unwanted release of the animals. Open gate should be left in their original condition, since they may have been deliberately opened. These are important points that the Code of Conduct of the Tyrol Chamber of Agriculture emphasizes in order to promote the self -responsibility of the hikers.

Such incidents illustrate how important it is to behave correctly in dealing with agricultural pastures. Agriculture and hikers must take responsibility equally to ensure security on the way.