Potential Dangers of Collecting Milkweed Seed

[Paul Cherubini]

Does anyone know much about cow / bull behavior? The reason I ask is that I want to collect some Asclepias vestita milkweed seed that's growing in a cow pasture in California and I don't know if the big cow / bull that's in the pasture would charge and attack me if I stepped over the wire fence to get to the milkweed: http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu87/4ALC/vestd.jpg

I was raised in the City so I don't know anything about cow / bull behavior. Thanks for any advice.

[texas butterfly]

I wouldn't think it is safe, every bull is probably unique.

Don't wear red or bright colors. I think that excites them.

Ask the owners/land owners of the bull and cow and get their permission to collect milkweed in their pasture. I think it is entirely likely a bull could charge if he thinks you are invading his territory.
You might have to sign a liability waiver and assume your own risk.

You might also get a cowboy chasing you with a gun if you don't have permission to enter pasture.

Hopefully you can find some milkweed on the road side of the fence. I'd put a fence between me and the bull, but if the bull wants you I'm not sure a fence will stop him.

[drexel.n@gmail]

Paul - My mother's family used to raise dairy cows in northern Ohio. I'll ask them and see what they say.

Nancy
Cincinnati, Ohio
WS3037

[applestar]

Make sure that fence is NOT electrified!

[Mona Miller]

I think we need to add that to the list of things to watch out for when collecting milkweed:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1828#p8605

[Monarch MaMa]

Bulls and cows can be very dangerous. Remember they weigh at least 400-800 lbs and they could crush you if they charge at you. We raised beef steers from 4 months old to 18 months old and they were unpredictable. Mostly since they were not bottle-fed, they were fearful of people but an adult steer or cow isn't something to tangle with. Try to find milkweed on a safer location OR contact the owners and get their opinion on the temperment of the cattle. I would bet the farmer would be OK with you except they may worry about you sueing them if you get attacked.