An eventful run - cows

An interesting/amusing thread on the FRA forum on a subject close to JtE's heart. A couple of extracts below. Worth a look - some more serious issues ie health and safety guidelines etc All under General fell running issues -

There seems to be a view in the farming community that the stock that has been rapidly bred up since foot and mouth is far more jumpy / batty / possibly more agressive than previous. This could be a factor in an increasing number of incidents occurring.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8159553.stm

"Are cows gradualy getting more aggressive? In a hundred years, when we're enslaved in a bovine hell, will we look back at this period and say: this is where it all began?"

"Passing a group of cows is similar to passing a group of drunk teenagers at night.
I think the most important thing is to be confident. I don't really believe they smell fear, but they certainly notice body language. If they do approach you looking dodgy you can usually face them down by waving arms and speaking to them in a stern manner. This works 9/10 times. In the remaining 1/10 times the best advice is to run as fast as you can. The average cow is rubbish at opening gates, however some teenagers have learned this skill."

"I have been to a "Next" sale - probably a similar experience but scarier - never come between a cow and her calf. Or a woman and her sale rail."

"My ex-wife is a bit of a cow. She could be dangerous and could certainly smell fear."

NLN