German hiker trampled by herd of cows
July 18, 2020![Three cows in a pasture in Lower Saxony, Germany](https://static.dw.com/image/54226467_800.webp)
A hiker in the southwestern German state of Saarland was seriously injured when he was trampled by several cows, local police authorities reported late Friday.
The 67-year-old was out hiking with his dog near the village of Beckingen-Düppenweiler, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Saarbrücken on Thursday, when he tried to cross a cattle pasture, Saarland police reports said.
He became caught between a herd of running cattle and was knocked to the ground, where the cows ran over him.
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The hiker suffered severe injuries to his chest area and was taken by rescue helicopter to a nearby clinic.
The police said his condition has since improved.
According to the report, the hiking trail on which the 67-year-old was walking cuts across the cattle pasture.
However, a warning sign has been placed there, pointing out the dangers of cows and urging hikers to avoid the pasture if there are animals on it.