British highland cattle not for hugging, say authorities in push against tourist selfie craze

They might look cute and fluffy, but highland cows are not for hugging, said a British park authority, after a deluge of videos showing tourists hugging the animals recently surfaced online.

In recent months, social media posts of people hugging and petting the long-haired animals have amassed thousands of likes and comments from others wanting to do the same.

According to the Edinburgh Zoo, “highland cows are known for their distinctive long horns and shaggy coats”. The breed, whose coat is often reddish-brown or ginger, is celebrated for its gentle temperament and striking appearance, it added.  

But, however gentle the cows are reputed to be, authorities are warning against getting too close and friendly with the cows, citing safety concerns for both people and animals.

Earlier in April, the Peak District National Park Authority, which oversees the Peak District in central-northern England, said hugging cows should be avoided as it is “highly dangerous” due to the risk of being trampled, charged or attacked, especially when cows have calves.

The issue of people hugging highland cows has grown to the extent that one farmer from Derbyshire has taken to outbreeding his cows. Outbreeding involves crossing an animal with another breed, a process that will usually take years to show a visible change in appearance.

By outbreeding the cows, cattle farmer Alex Birch hopes to make them “less photogenic” in the future, stopping people from wanting to hug or take pictures with them, reported the BBC.

“My cows don’t get any peace, I’ve seen the videos, I’ve seen it in person, I’ve seen someone filming a yoga video next to them,” Mr Birch told the BBC, adding that he had not taken the decision lightly and he felt he had no other choice.

Mr Birch said he once found 30 people with their cameras flashing, with the cows cornered at the edge of a field. He also shared concerns about being held legally liable if his cows were to injure someone.

With highland cow hugging becoming more popular after the Covid-19 pandemic, some farms in England are offering tourists the chance to interact with the animals safely.

These events are run by experienced breeders, and safety and welfare come first, said the Highland Cattle Society in a Facebook post on April 15.

“We are receiving a huge number of concerns from members who have witnessed members of the public and tourists jump into farmers’ fields, take selfies with cattle, and even sit on the cattle,” said the society, cautioning that while the cattle might look gentle, they are powerful animals.

According to the Toronto Zoo, a female highland cow stands at 105cm to 120cm at the shoulder, and weighs between 500kg and 600kg. A bull stands at 125cm to 135cm at the shoulder and weighs between 800kg and 1,000kg.

“Please don’t enter farmers’ fields or approach them for selfies, they are not selfie props,” added the Highland Cattle Society, noting that doing so stresses the animals, “particularly mothers who will defend their calves without hesitation”.