A 44-year-old woman was seriously injured in Styria on Sunday when a herd of cows charged her during a hike with her husband and dog. The incident happened near Ursprungalm in the Liezen district.
According to ORF Steiermark, the couple was walking along a forest path in Preunegg, coming from Giglachsee and heading toward Ursprungalm, when the encounter occurred. The police said the couple’s dog may have come too close to a grazing herd, startling the animals.
READ ALSO: What are Austria's guidelines for hiking near cows after walker killed?
Dog chased, woman overrun
When the dog ran back toward its owners, the herd—reportedly around 30 to 35 cows—chased after it. The cows then overran the woman, causing her serious injuries.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and the woman had to be airlifted by rescue helicopter to the hospital in Schwarzach, Salzburg.
According to the police, there was a clear warning posted near the grazing area, reminding hikers that mother cows are protective of their calves. The owners of the dog told police that it had been on a lead at the time.
Ongoing debate about safety on alpine pastures
This incident has reignited the discussion in Austria about how to prevent accidents between grazing animals and hikers, especially when dogs are involved.
Austria’s alpine pastures are open to hikers, but cows—especially mothers with calves—can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
According to animal therapist Katharina Steindl-Prem, from Reichendorf near Pischelsdorf, dogs are often the trigger for such incidents because cows perceive them as predators, a separate ORF report stated.
At her “Kuh und du” farm, Steindl-Prem runs workshops that teach dog owners how to reduce the risk of dangerous encounters with cattle. Her three-hour courses involve familiarising dogs with the sight, sound, and smell of cows in a safe setting.
READ ALSO: How to keep safe and avoid problems when hiking in the Austrian Alps
Course participants meet well-trained animals to help dogs understand that not every encounter is a threat.
"Dogs need to learn that cows aren’t a threat—and how to walk past calmly," Steindl-Prem said.
Safety tips for hikers with dogs
Experts advise that if cows approach and surround you, you should immediately unleash your dog.
This allows the dog to run away, which may help to defuse the situation, as the cows will likely focus on the dog rather than the people. Raising your arms to appear larger can also signal the animals to back off.
Steindl-Prem emphasised that there is never 100 percent safety when walking in nature, but respectful behaviour is key. She recommends avoiding pastures altogether if possible, especially during calving season.
READ ALSO: What Austria's Supreme Court ruling on a cow trampling means for hikers
The woman injured on Sunday remains in the hospital. Her condition has not yet been publicly updated.
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