Keep your distance!
Recently, a farmer told me that his cows had killed a fox. One of the farmer’s cows had given birth to a calf in the pasture. The fox – probably attracted by the smell of blood and afterbirth – crept in wide circles around the newborn calf.
This cow, which has just given birth to her calf, is very wary of the fox. No defence is necessary yet. (Photo: Jakob Fritz)
Then the fox came closer and closer, drawing its circles tighter and tighter. The calf’s mother was restless. Suddenly the whole herd joined together. They formed a circle around the little calf, their heads turned outwards. They attacked the fox with their heads and feet. The otherwise tame animals were transformed and only let go of the fox when it was nothing but skin and shreds.
A suckler cow must always be expected to protect her calf. Pawing, lowering her head, swinging her tail back and forth – these are clear signs of excitement and a possible attack. (Photo: provided)
The cows literally trampled the fox to death. Maternal and protective instincts turn the tamest and most affectionate domestic animals back into wild animals. It is better to be aware of this. Even for hikers and cow owners, the motto for small calves is always: “Keep your distance”.
Mostly shy, cute, pretty... and predators through and through: foxes can also be dangerous to newborn calves. (Photo: Jakob Fritz)
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