Aggressive cow injures two on Spain's Camino de Santiago trail

On the renowned St. James's Way, a cow attacked a group of pilgrims. Two retirees, aged 64 and 69, were subsequently hospitalized. This incident highlights a reoccurring issue of cows from nearby pastures becoming aggressive towards pilgrims on this celebrated Spanish route.

The route, better known in Spanish as the Camino de Santiago, leads pilgrims to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, situated in the picturesque region of Galicia in northwestern Spain.

The latest confrontation occurred on a serene Saturday morning (4 May) in the municipality of Navarredonda de Salvatierra, located on the famous trail. A cow, suddenly enraged, lashed out at two unsuspecting pilgrims aged 64 and 69. This event marks another in a series of recent cow-related confrontations affecting pilgrims on this route.

According to reports from Spanish media, the cow became agitated after being disturbed by the passing pilgrims while grazing. The animal responded by trampling them.

It appears that the cow felt threatened, leading it to charge unexpectedly at the retirees.

Following the cow's aggressive behaviour, both tourists sustained injuries. One victim was airlifted to a hospital in Salamanca, while the other was transported there by ambulance.

Other pilgrims witnessing the incident sought refuge by climbing a tree. They were later assisted by a patrol from the Spanish gendarmerie, who arrived swiftly to help.