Runners are having a hard time steering clear of aggressive cattle on the Meadowlark Trail near Superior, Colorado, a Boulder Open Space trail.
Most recently, a runner was attacked by a smaller herd Tuesday morning, which temporarily closed the trailhead, according to the Times-Call. Another person called 911 after seeing the runner trying to protect herself on the ground while surrounded by 15 to 20 cows, the report said. Most seemed to be mothers with their calves.
Rangers responded within 15 minutes, and the runner was taken to the hospital; her condition is unknown, according to the Times-Call.
Trail users have been reporting aggressive cattle. The Meadowlark Trail falls within a cattle grazing area, according to the outlet, which has prompted rangers to post warning signs.
Megan Hetzel, a runner who frequents the Meadowlark Trail, was charged on Tuesday, too, but managed to avoid injury.
“There is nothing more terrifying than looking behind you to see a herd of very large mooing animals charging at you,” Hetzl told Runner's World. “I think one brushed me, it was that close.”
Hetzel said she has seen cows with their calves on this trail for the past four years but never had an issue. She recently took a video of the large cattle presence on another Boulder-area path while on a run.
When Hetzel saw the story about the runner who was attacked, she says she knows it could have easily been her.
“They absolutely would have ganged up on me had they not stopped charging,” she said.
Ranger Erin Hartnett, who responded to the call on Tuesday, reminds trail users to be careful this time of year—to keep dogs on leashes and distance themselves from wildlife.
“If they’re in your way—they’re not giving you ground—then back away and don’t continue on your hike,” she told the Times-Call.
Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner's World, the author of The Runner's World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a seven-time marathoner with a best of 3:31—but she is most proud of her 1:32 half, 19:40 5K, and 5:33 mile.
