Safe Handling of Grazing Livestock
Staying Safe Together on Austria’s Alpine Pastures
Our alpine pastures and meadows are a blend of pristine nature, popular vacation destinations, and vital economic areas. We owe this to our farmers. They tend to these beautiful natural landscapes and uphold a centuries-old tradition by driving grazing livestock up to the alpine pastures. To ensure that Austria’s unique cultural landscape remains freely accessible in the future, we rely on harmonious coexistence on the alpine pastures and meadows.We ask you, as visitors, to adapt respectfully to this beautiful landscape.
What is the proper way to handle grazing livestock?
Cows, horses, sheep, and goats are an important part of our alpine landscape—especially in the summer, when they are often found in the alpine pastures. Avoid making noise, keep a safe distance, and try not to feed them. If the animals become agitated, exercise extra caution. Stay calm and move away from the animals quickly, without turning your back on them.
Hiking with your dog: Please keep your dog on a leash!
Cows may view a dog as a threat. Even the dog’s mere presence or a bark can put the animals on high alert. Therefore, keep a close eye on your four-legged companion and keep him on a short leash while in the pasture. If an attack occurs: UNLEASH HIM IMMEDIATELY!
10 Rules of Conduct for Interacting with Grazing Livestock
1. Avoid contact with grazing livestock; do not feed the animals; maintain a safe distance.
2. Remain calm; do not startle grazing livestock.
3. Mother cows protect their calves; avoid encounters between mother cows and dogs you are walking.
4. Always keep dogs under control and on a short leash. If an attack by grazing livestock is imminent: Immediately unhook the dog or let go of the leash.
5. Do not leave hiking trails on alpine pastures and grazing lands.
6. If grazing livestock blocks the path, go around them keeping as much distance as possible!
7. If grazing livestock approaches: Stay calm, do not turn your back, and move out of the animals’ way.
8. Leave the pasture area promptly at the first sign of restlessness among the animals.
9. Be mindful of fences! If there is a gate, use it, then close it securely and cross the pasture quickly.
10. Treat the people working here, nature, and the animals with respect!
Info hotline
+43 4824 2700
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Default. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information
