There is a superb motion picture made in the 1950s starring Alistair Sim (possibly most noted for his portrayal of Dickens’ Scrooge) called “Folly to be Wise”. It’s set in a Uk army camp in the 1950’s where a newly arrived camp clergy man (Sim) tries to liven the place up by planning a “brain’s trust”. A brain’s trust entailed pulling together a panel of local dignitaries and allowing the audience to ask them whatever may be on their minds, similar to what can be called a plenary session in a current day business seminar.
The function is, however, doomed to failure since it ends in a fight between a number of the dignitaries however my favourite scene surrounds one query from the assembled crowd that was “Why is it that cows in a field run after trains?” and the reply from the rather potty Lady of the Manor being “in case babies fall out of the window”. It isn’t a behaviour I have seen personally and trains now in all probability have baby proof windows. Having said that, it’s plain from taking a look at various walking and hiking web sites that cow behaviour is a subject of keen interest to walkers.
The truth is it is rather a serious concern and there is a particularly distressing tale of a vetinary surgeon in the Yorkshire Dales who was trampled to death by a herd of cows in 2009. Many people are concerned by of a group of cows in a field as young ones specifically might be especially inquisitive, charging right up to you and following closely as you continue.
Things you should not do with cows:
1. Do not get between a cow and it’s calf. Cows are protective animals and will defend their young if they sense there’s a threat. Standing or walking in between a cow and it’s young is easily avoided by not walking in the centre of a group of cows if young calves are present. Cattle generally make this much easier for the rambler by heading away from approaching hikers, provided they notice you in good time.
2. Do not permit your dog off it’s leash close to farming stock, and stay clear if someone else has done so. The sound and view of an unruly dog can cause a great deal of strain for farming stock, and is able to start the herd off into a stampede. Should you have a dog and the cows get aggressive towards it, let the dog run away. People with dogs have been trampled to death while trying to shield their dogs.
What to do if a herd of farming stock is rushing toward you
A logical technique is to spread out your arms and legs to produce the largest potential bulk (if there are more than one of you, group together to form a more substantial outline). This could well break the charge. If not then the next suggestion is to make a loud noise at the cows are bearing down on you, and move aside (if achievable) to allow them to cross to the side.
