Walker trapped in tree after angry cow encounter

A man had to be rescued after climbing a tree to escape from an angry cow.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said he had been walking his dog on a public footpath through Whiteley Bank on Wednesday morning when he encountered the animal, apparently feeling protective towards its calf.

Fire crews and the cow's owner managed to coax both the cow and the calf back into their field and the man was able to climb down after more than an hour in the tree.

HIWFRS warned people walking in the countryside to "keep your distance" from livestock which can have strong maternal instincts to protect their young.

It said the man had been forced to flee up the tree after the cow reacted and "ran through a fence" when its calf had escaped from a field.

Emergency control room operators reassured the man throughout the ordeal, before the arrival of Shanklin and Newport fire crews at about 09:30 GMT.

They found the angry cow at the foot of the tree in which the man was trapped.

When the animals were eventually coaxed away, the man was able to be reunited with his dog. Fire crews left the scene at 11:00.

In a statement, HIWFRS said: "Animals we come across regularly in our countryside, such as cows and horses, have strong maternal instincts to protect their young, so it is vital to keep your distance.

"When out walking in the countryside, in fields or areas that contain livestock try not to get too close and always keep your dog on a lead. If you feel threatened by an animal, remain calm and find a safe place."

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