This Cute East Bay Selfie Could Have Cost Me My Life, Officials Say
2024-08-26
Photo byBay Area Telegraph
Last year, I was hiking on East Bay Regional Park District land when I saw an adorable young cow meandering along the path near me.
As many people might do, I took out my phone and snapped a selfie. I didn’t touch the cow, of course, and I stayed on the trail. But my natural instinct was to document this very adorable moment.
According to a news release from the East Bay Regional Parks District, this was a huge mistake. If it had been earlier in the season or I had gotten any closer, my error could have resulted in serious injury.
As calving season begins, visitors to regional parks may encounter calves grazing alongside their mothers. While these young animals can be endearing, it’s essential to remember that close interaction can pose dangers to both people and cattle, the EBRPD says.
Specifically, getting between a calve and its mother can result in a 2,000+ pound animal releasing its full fury on you, in an attempt to protect its baby. People have died by getting between mother cows and their babies.
And other animals are even more dangerous to wayward selfie-takers; a photographer died this year after coming between a mother moose and her young.
Luckily, I took my selfie later in the season, when the cows were bigger and more independent. I also had the good sense to stay on the trail, and not actually approach or touch the cow that I saw.
If I had approached it and it was younger, though, I might have had a giant, angry mama intervening!
How to Stay Safe
Want to avoid that situation for yourself? Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind from the Parks District.
Admire from Afar: Calves should be observed from a distance. Approaching them can lead to dangerous situations.
Avoid Getting Between Mother and Calf: Never place yourself between a mother cow and her calf. This can cause stress to the animals and may result in injury to you.
Don’t Worry if a Calf is Alone: It’s common to see a calf by itself. Usually, the mother is nearby, grazing or drinking, and will return soon.
No Touching or Selfies: Even if a calf appears to be alone, do not approach, touch, or try to move it. These actions can lead to injury or the calf’s death. Don’t stop to take selfies–give the cow plenty of space and walk quickly around it.
Keep Dogs Leashed: If you’re walking a dog in areas where cattle are present, make sure it is leashed and kept away from calves.
Report Distressed Calves: If you spot a calf that seems to be injured, sick, or in distress, note its location, color, and ear tag number, and report it to park staff at (510) 881-1833.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both park visitors and the cattle during this critical time of year.
Better to paint cows from a distance than approach them!
Next time, I would not stop to snap a selfie, and would instead give the cows plenty of space and walk quickly past them.
If you want to take a selfie with a cow, better to head to Tilden Regional Parks’ free Little Farm, where you can snap cow selfies all day long with no risk to you or the animals.
Stay safe out there, and enjoy the Regional Parks as the weather gets cooler!
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