Tragic Incident in Austrian Alps: Woman Killed by Herd of Cows
A 40-year-old woman was tragically killed by a herd of cows while hiking with her daughters near Salzburg, Austria. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the Gastein Schlossalm area, close to the Austrian-Bavarian border. The woman was celebrating her birthday with her two daughters, aged 20 and 23, and two small dogs when the cows charged at them for reasons still unknown.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
The daughters, who witnessed the brutal attack on their mother, survived but sustained injuries. They were flown to Schwarzach hospital by rescue helicopter. Despite the rapid response and treatment, the mother succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The herd of cows only moved away from the woman when the emergency helicopter arrived, essentially chasing the animals away. The incident has left the local community in shock and mourning.
Safety Guidelines for Hikers in Alpine Pastures
In light of this tragedy, the state of Salzburg has reiterated the importance of following safety guidelines when hiking in areas with grazing cattle. Some key rules include not feeding the animals, keeping a safe distance, staying calm, and avoiding encounters between mother cows and dogs. Additionally, hikers are advised to keep dogs on a short leash and to unleash them immediately if they are attacked by cows. These guidelines aim to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
- The mayor of Bad Hofgastein, Markus Viehauser, who is also an alpine farmer, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. He noted that the Schlossalm is an ancient alpine pasture area where mother cows and young cattle had been driven up a few weeks prior. According to him, mother cows are known to defend their herd when they feel threatened.
- The police have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. This tragic event has sparked renewed discussions in the Alps about the relationship between humans and animals, especially in shared spaces like hiking trails and pastures.
- Past incidents in the region have shown that encounters between hikers and grazing cattle can lead to dangerous situations. In 2017, an Austrian woman was killed in Tyrol under similar circumstances, and in 2014, a German vacationer was trampled to death by a herd. These events highlight the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and respecting the natural behavior of animals.
