Bulls are large, powerful animals that can weigh over 1,000 pounds. They have excellent vision and a strong sense of smell. While bulls are not naturally aggressive, they will charge when they feel threatened. Understanding bull behavior and being aware of your surroundings can help prevent provoking an attack.
Bulls Have a Natural Fight or Flight Response
Like all animals, bulls have an innate fight or flight response when they perceive a threat. Their first instinct is to flee from danger but they will stand their ground and fight if cornered. A bull uses charges as a defensive maneuver. The bull lowers its head, snorts, scrapes the ground with a front hoof and sometimes bellows before initiating a charge. This display is meant to intimidate the threat and warn it to back off. If the adversary does not retreat, the bull will lower its head and run full force towards the intruder. The powerful thrusts of the bull’s horns can cause severe injury or death. While humans are not the bull’s natural enemy, situations may arise where a bull sees a person as a threat and responds aggressively. Understanding what causes a bull to charge can help prevent provoking an attack.
Territorial Behavior
Bulls are very territorial animals. A bull considers its field or pen its domain and will defend it against intruders. Trespassing on a bull’s territory is one of the most common reasons a bull will initiate an attack. A bull may chase, headbutt, or full out charge an intruder near or in its enclosed space. Even vehicles driving through a bull’s field may trigger an aggressive reaction. The bull sees the vehicle as an invading object and will attempt to drive it off.
Maternal Instinct
A bull is especially aggressive when defending calves or cows in estrus. Cows usually calve in the spring. During calving season, bulls are on high alert for threats to vulnerable newborn calves. Given the maternal instinct to protect young, bulls will charge, ram, and trample any perceived danger near the calves.
Never approach or attempt to handle a newborn calf, even if the mother is not nearby. A defensive parent may emerge and attack suddenly. Likewise, a bull is primed to charge when guarding a cow in heat to ward off competing bulls. The hormonal changes in the female bovine put the bull on the offensive.
Surprise Encounters
Bulls have a wide field of vision but still may be startled by people suddenly appearing in their vicinity. Walking directly up on a grazing bull or emerging quickly from brush or a hidden dip in the field may cause the bull to perceive you as a threat. The surprise encounter triggers the bull’s instinct to charge.
Making noise as you approach, such as coughing or scuffing your feet, can alert the bull to your presence. Never startle or touch a bull unexpectedly. Back away slowly if you encounter a bull at close range. Retreating calmly but steadily shows the bull you are not a danger.
Protection of Feed
Bulls can be very protective of their food source. Grain bins, hay bales, and feeding troughs all attract bulls. They associate the sites with needed nutrition. A bull may charge anyone approaching his food that he views as competition. The bull tries to scare off the trespasser and secure the feed to himself.
Give a wide berth to any area where a bull is eating. Never try to take food from a bull or walk between a bull and his food. The confused bull may attack thinking you are stealing his meal.
Breeding Instinct
A bull’s breeding instinct is another trigger for aggressive charges. In the presence of cows, the bull’s testosterone surges. The bull uses intimidating charges to establish dominance and fend off rival bulls.
Humans should avoid entering pens or pastures where breeding activity is occurring. Never disturb or attempt to redirect a bull engaged in breeding behavior. The bull will perceive your interference as a challenge and attack.
Interpreting Body Language
Being able to detect signs of agitation can help prevent a surprise attack. An angry bull may make these threatening gestures before charging:
– Head lowered and turned to the side to point horns at the intruder
– Snorting loudly through nostrils
– Scraping at the earth with a hoof
– Ears pinned back against the head
– Bellowing
– Raising tail erectly
Seeing these behaviors means a bull is on the verge of charging. Do not make direct eye contact with the bull or make any rapid movements which could spark an attack. Back away with slow, even steps until safely out of the bull’s territory.
Motion or Loud Noises Can Provoke Charges
Quick or erratic movements sometimes trigger a bull to charge. When entering a bull’s vicinity, move at a slow, steady pace. Wave your arms or swing objects to exaggerate your movements.
Likewise, strange or sudden sounds may make the bull perceive a threat is near. Shouting, equipment clanking, or even a strange engine sound can provoke a charge. Approach grazing areas quietly and avoid creating unnecessary noise near cattle.
Bright Colors Attract Attention
There is some evidence that bright colors attract a bull’s attention. Motion already draws the bull’s notice to potential predators. Bold reds, oranges, or yellows may signify danger and put the bull on the defensive. Wear muted, earth-tone colors in the range or pen area. Avoid bold graphics on clothing when near cattle.
Signs of Aggression
Learn to recognize the signals a bull gives when feeling threatened or aggressive. Watch for these telltale signs a charge may be imminent:
– Head lowered with horns pointed at you
– Nostrils flared and loud snorting
– Front leg pawing the ground
– Bellowing
– Tail standing straight up or twitching
– Ears laid back flat against the head
– Hair standing up along the bull’s back
Seeing one or more of these behaviors means the bull sees you as an intruder. Increase your distance and avoid sudden movements. Leave the area in a calm, steady manner to avoid triggering a charge.
Safety Measures When Near Cattle
Follow these precautions to avoid startling a bull and provoking an attack when in cattle areas:
– Clearly announce your presence by speaking in a normal voice as you approach
– Move at a slow, steady pace without exaggerated or jerky motions
– Give grazing bulls a wide berth of 50 feet or more
– Do not enter pens or fields with calves and breeding activity
– Avoid stepping between a bull and his food or water
– Do not attempt to touch or prod the bull in any way
– If a bull begins posturing aggressively, leave the area cautiously but immediately
What to Do During a Bull Charge
If a bull lowers its head and begins charging directly at you:
– Move sideways or behind a tree, boulder, or fence
– Run away in a straight line as fast as possible
– If you cannot flee, curl into a ball with hands protecting the back of your neck
– Try to remain still until the bull moves on
– Get medical help immediately if the bull strikes or tramples you
Only Approach a Calm Bull
While it’s wise to keep your distance, bulls which are contentedly grazing present little threat. Look for these signs the bull is calm and unaggressive:
– Head up chewing cud
– Slow, casual movements
– Tail switching at a natural, relaxed tempo
– No loud vocalizations
– No signs of mating or maternal behavior
You may carefully move closer to photograph or observe a docile bull. But stay alert for any shift in demeanor. Be ready to retreat if the bull shows any signs of irritation.
Bulls Have Long Memories
Studies indicate bulls can remember negative experiences for years. Once a bull has been provoked and attacked a human, he is likely to attack again under similar circumstances. The bull associates the human form with a past threat. It’s crucial to read bull signals and avoid any action which may trigger aggressive charges.
Health Issues Can Cause Aggression
Sick or injured bulls are more likely to attack unexpectedly. Bulls in pain become short-tempered. Approach any limping, diseased, or disabled bull with extreme caution. The compromised bull sees all humans as a threat. Also keep clear of bulls in very hot weather when they are more likely to be irritable.
Bull Breeds Vary in Temperament
Some bull breeds are calmer and less likely to charge than others. Docile breeds like Angus and Hereford are milk-producing beef cattle. More aggressive bulls including Spanish Fighting bulls and Braford bulls are bred for strength, aggression, and vitality. Understanding a bull breed’s typical temperament can help you gauge the risk.
| Breed | Temperament |
|---|---|
| Angus | Mild, docile |
| Hereford | Docile, mild |
| Holstein | Placid, patient |
| Brahman | Aggressive, temperamental |
| Spanish Fighting | Aggressive, combative |
Young Bulls Can be Unpredictable
A bull calf rapidly grows to a large, powerful animal. Young adolescent bulls tend to be more impulsive and temperamental than mature bulls. The unpredictable nature of young bulls makes them more likely to attack. Always be cautious when calves are transitioning to maturity around 1-2 years of age.
Bulls Have a Strong Herd Instinct
While a single bull may charge when alone, the greatest risk occurs when a herd senses danger. If one bull charges out of a pack, the others are likely to follow. The cliff stampede scene in the film “The Lost World” is not fantasy. Cattle can stampede off cliffs, embankments, or over cliffs when the herd instinct takes over. Keep clear of grazing herds and never cause cows to panic and scatter in a pack.
Dealing with an Aggressive Bull
If a bull in the herd becomes overly aggressive and dangerous it may need to be culled or castrated. Removing testicles eliminates much of the testosterone and makes the bull calmer. Consult an experienced rancher or veterinarian on dealing with a habitual attacker. An aggressive bull left in the herd puts everyone at risk. But know culling is a last resort for a prized breeding bull.
Steer Clear of a Charging Bull
Understand that a bull charges as a defensive reaction, not an offensive maneuver. Intelligent, intuitive, and emotional, bulls use mock charges and displays of aggression to protect themselves, their territory, and their herd. Avoid disturbing the bull’s space during vulnerable times. Never intentionally provoke or mistreat cattle. Follow common sense precautions, and steer well clear of an oncoming bull charge.
Conclusion
Bulls will charge when they perceive a threat that must be neutralized. Understanding bull behavior and not encroaching on their territory can prevent triggering an attack. Heed warning signs like snorting and hoof pawing that signal an imminent charge. In the rare event a bull charges directly at you, retreat calmly and quickly. While bulls are not outwardly hostile, it is wise to appreciate their power and handle them with care and respect.
