How to Behave around Grazing Animals

Locals and visitors alike enjoy exploring Tirol's beautiful mountains. However, it is important to remember that they are not just a recreation area for humans but also a natural habitat for many animals. Hikers and walkers should take this into account, especially if they are out and about in the mountains with dogs.

Anyone who has spent time in the mountains will be familiar with the following situation: all of a sudden you find a cow standing in your way, blocking the route you want to take. In almost all cases it is possible to walk around it, leaving plenty of space as you do so. Respecting alpine animals is a key element of hiking in the mountains. The most important rules include keeping a safe distance at all times, not feeding the animals and staying on the marked trails. These rules are all the more important if you are out hiking with a dog. In such cases, please make sure the dog is kept on a short leash and avoid any contact between dogs and mother cows protecting their young. Scroll down for more information on how to behave around animals in the mountains.

Anyone who has spent time in the mountains will be familiar with the following situation: all of a sudden you find a cow standing in your way,…

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Correct Behaviour Part 1, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Tip Number One

Avoid contact with grazing animals, do not feed them and keep a safe distance.

Correct Behaviour Part 2, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 2

Stay calm. Do not frighten grazing cattle.

Correct Behaviour Part 3, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 3

Mother cows protect their young. Keep dogs away from mother cows at all times.

Correct Behaviour Part 4, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 4

Keep dogs under control and on a short leash. If you believe you are about to be attacked, let go on the leash immediately.

Correct Behaviour Part 5, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 5

Stay on the marked trails at all times when crossing pastures and meadows.

Correct Behaviour Part 6, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 6

If your path is blocked by an animal, walk around it leaving plenty of space.

Correct Behaviour Part 7, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 7

If you approached by an animal: stay calm, don't turn your back and move slowly away.

Correct Behaviour Part 8, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 8

As soon as you notice the animals becoming restless, leave the pasture quickly and calmly.

Correct Behaviour Part 9, © Landwirtschaftskammer Tirol
Correct Behaviour Part 9

Do not climb over fences. If there is a gate, use it! Shut is firmly behind you and cross the pasture quickly and calmly.

Tips on Hiking with Dogs

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