Tragic Death of Hiker After Cow Attack in Austrian Mountains

A tragic incident unfolded in the Austrian Alps as an 85-year-old hiker succumbed to fatal injuries after being trampled by cows. This occurred while he and his wife, aged 82, along with their pet dog, were enjoying a hike, according to local authorities.

The unfortunate event took place on a Sunday afternoon as the couple was making their way towards a mountain refuge located near Ramsau am Dachstein, a picturesque area within Austria's Styria province.

Markus Lamb, a spokesman for the local police, revealed to AFP that the couple from Vienna was navigating a trail just beneath the Austria hut when a group of nine cows, which included three calves, unexpectedly charged at them, inflicting severe injuries.

Witnesses in the vicinity, including hikers and personnel at a nearby shelter, immediately stepped in to offer first aid and called for emergency responders. The injured couple was subsequently transported to a medical facility in Salzburg.

Tragically, the man could not survive the ordeal and passed away due to his injuries before any emergency medical procedure could be performed.

Local legal authorities have initiated a probe to ascertain the detailed circumstances surrounding this attack, with an autopsy being planned.

While such fatal encounters with cows are uncommon in Austria—home to over nine million residents and a favored destination due to its scenic mountains where cattle roam freely—this incident echoes a similar event.

Back in 2024, another woman who was exploring the Salzburg region with two small dogs tragically lost her life in a similar cow herd assault.

Previously, a fatal cow attack prompted Austrian authorities to create guidelines for hikers. These stipulate that distance should be maintained around cows, and dogs should be kept on a short lead but released if there's an imminent attack to prevent further triggers to the cattle.