Handling Grazing Livestock
Here's how to safely pass through alpine pastures with grazing livestock
Cows, horses, sheep, and goats are a common sight on every alpine pasture in the summer—and among the most frequent encounters on hiking trails in the Alps. Unfortunately, dangerous situations have occurred time and again, but these can almost always be avoided by behaving appropriately around grazing livestock.
Grazing livestock is generally peaceful but curious—and simply because of its size, a harmless situation can quickly turn critical. Mother cows, in particular, instinctively protect their calves and react sensitively to dogs, which they perceive as a potential threat.
IMPORTANT: Even if you’re hiking without a dog, caution is advised. Since, statistically speaking, almost every incident on alpine pastures is triggered by dogs, the animals may still be stressed or agitated from a previous encounter. They may project this agitation onto subsequent hikers. Therefore, always approach the herd with caution and remain calm.
Since dogs are involved in nearly all incidents involving grazing livestock, as a dog owner, you should thoroughly research your planned hiking route in advance and, if in doubt, consider whether your dog really needs to come along on this hike.
The good news: Hiking with your dog and a relaxing vacation don’t have to be mutually exclusive. At our dog-friendly Wanderhotels, your four-legged friend is just as welcome as you are. There, you’ll find guided tours specially tailored for hiking with dogs, as well as experienced hosts who can recommend safe, pasture-free routes if you’d prefer to explore on your own. That way, you can both enjoy the mountains to the fullest—relaxed, safe, and without any worries about unpleasant encounters with grazing livestock.
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Do not walk through the middle of the herd. Keep as much distance as possible, remain calm, and do not turn your back on the animals.
No. Dogs should always be kept on a short leash in alpine pastures and meadows—only if there is an imminent threat of an attack by grazing livestock should you immediately let them off the leash.
Typical warning signs include a lowered head, pawing the ground, and loud bellowing. If a cow shows these signs, you should leave the pasture quickly and calmly.
If you’re unsure before your hike which alpine pastures currently have grazing livestock or which trail is best suited for your hike, The Wanderconcierge at your Wanderhotel knows the region inside and out and will be happy to provide you with up-to-date tips and information for a safe and enjoyable hike.
You can find more specific tips for considerate behavior on alpine pastures and hiking trails in our article: Safety Tips for Hiking.
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