A tragic incident unfolded near Salzburg, Austria, where a 40-year-old woman was killed by a herd of cows while hiking with her daughters and two small dogs. The attack occurred in the Gastein Schlossalm area, a popular hiking destination near the Austrian-Bavarian border, on what was supposed to be a celebratory hike for the mother's birthday.
The woman's daughters, aged 20 and 23, witnessed the brutal attack and were injured in the process. They were flown to Schwarzach hospital by rescue helicopter. According to the police, the cows only moved away from the woman when the emergency helicopter arrived, essentially chasing the herd away. Despite rapid medical treatment, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The incident has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety on alpine pastures. The mayor of Bad Hofgastein, Markus Viehauser, who is also an alpine farmer, emphasized that mother cows are highly protective of their calves and may perceive dogs as a threat. This incident follows similar tragic events in recent years, highlighting the need for increased awareness and precaution among hikers.
In response to the tragedy, the state of Salzburg has reiterated guidelines for safe behavior around grazing cattle. These include not feeding the animals, keeping a safe distance, staying calm, and keeping dogs on a short leash. If a grazing animal approaches, hikers are advised to stay calm, avoid turning their back, and leave the pasture area as quickly as possible if the animals become restless.
The police have launched an investigation to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident. Meanwhile, local authorities and rescue services continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies in the future.
- The tragic incident in Gastein is not an isolated case. In 2017, an Austrian woman was killed in Tyrol under similar circumstances while walking with a friend and dogs. Additionally, in 2014, a German vacationer was trampled to death by a herd of cows in the same region. These incidents have sparked heated debates about the responsibilities of both farmers and hikers.
- The Austrian government has published a 'conduct guide' for hikers, advising them to stay away from herds and keep their dogs on a leash. However, in the event of an attack, it is recommended to unchain the dogs to avoid escalating the situation. This guide aims to balance the interests of tourism and agriculture while ensuring the safety of hikers.
- The recent tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of these guidelines. Rescuers and local authorities stress that cows have a strong maternal instinct and will defend their calves if they perceive a threat. This is particularly relevant for hikers accompanied by dogs, as cows may see them as potential dangers.
