Enjoy Caution around Cattle during New Year Celebrations, advised by EBRPD
Hiking with the Bovine Buddies: A New Year's Adventure
Welcome to a new year! And a new herd of four-legged friends is back to join us in the East Bay hills!
As the rainy season has begun and lush grasses have returned, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has a friendly reminder for park visitors about safety in designated cattle grazing areas. Some popular parks like Briones Regional Park and Las Trampas Wilderness use cattle grazing to control vegetation and minimize wildfire risks.
Our friendly crew recently visited Briones and encountered a friendly bunch of cattle keeping a watchful eye on hikers and adventurers. To ensure everyone's safe coexistence, EBRPD has posted essential safety guidelines for hikers at the trail entrances.
Interacting with Cattle: A User's Guide
- Respect Space: Give cows and calves a wide berth. Avoid trying to touch or pet them, especially if a calf appears to be separated from its mother.
- No Interference: Never attempt to intervene if a calf is distressed since caring mother cows can become defensive.
- Pet Dogs on a Leash: Keep your furry friends on a short leash to prevent chasing or startling cattle, which might perceive dogs as a threat.
- Observe from Afar: Cattle may become agitated if you approach too closely, so it's vital to maintain a distance and make yourself known gently. Provide them enough space to move away calmly.
- Stay Calm in Emergencies: If you ever encounter aggressive cattle or any injured animal, immediately contact EBRPD staff or dial 911 for assistance. Refer to the signage for contact numbers.
A Few More Pointers
Maintaining lush hillsides and reducing wildfire risks, cattle are valuable partners in our parks. The EBRPD manages over 125,000 acres of land and regularly updates resources on coexisting safely with grazing animals. For more information, visit the EBRPD website.
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As we delve deeper into our outdoor-living adventures, let's remember to respect the harmony between our lifestyle and the natural environment while exploring home-and-garden settings, like the cattle grazing areas in the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). To ensure a peaceful coexistence with these bovine friends, follow the essential safety guidelines for hikers provided by EBRPD.
