Hiker, 85, Killed By Herd Of Cows In Austrian Alps

An 85-year-old man from Vienna died after being trampled by a herd of cows while hiking with his wife in the Austrian Alps. The couple was walking their dog near a mountain hut in Styria province when the nine cows, including three calves, suddenly charged at them. Both hikers suffered severe injuries, and the man died before he could undergo surgery. Witnesses say the cows were apparently disturbed by the couple’s dog. While fatal encounters with cattle are rare in Austria, where they typically graze unfenced, a similar deadly attack occurred last year. Safety guidelines recommend keeping a safe distance from cattle and unleashing dogs if they are charged. (Story URL)

PHONE TOPIC: Have you ever been injured by a supposedly ‘harmless’ animal?