Fight or Flight
By Trent LoosI have received so many inquiries about my observations of the cattle on Chirikof Island that I wanted to spend one column describing the behavior of these cattle that have existed and thrived for untold generations without human intervention.
Upon first appearance, you might consider these cows to be very aggressive. As soon as they see you, they head toward you rapidly in large groups. If you wait them out and stay put, they will get nervous and run. They are very curious but once they determine what you are, they head for higher ground.
I have not had one of these bulls charge me yet. Although when they are investigating you, they cock their heads like they are ready to take you out. One certainly feels threatened by this posturing. I am reluctant to believe that many, if any, of these bulls are the “man-hunters” they are rumored to be.
My first trip took place in early June. I estimated the calves to be 45 days old and younger. Tim Jacobsen and I sorted three cows away from their babies and, much to my surprise, the cows left. The cows fled for higher ground and did not seem to have a second thought about returning to protect their calves. I believe this occurs because the calves have never been threatened. The only predator, other than environment, is to the cows from fishermen who dock on the island and go hunting or pleasure shooting. It still seems astonishing that the cows have no desire to hang around to protect their calves.
When the cows sense danger, they head north and up. They scale terrain considered moderately mountainous. The cows always seem to take the most direct route to the highest point. Initially, I thought this was a defense mechanism for escape, but the more time I spent with the cows, the more I believe they head to higher ground to avoid the wet bogs. Every mountain has numerous seeps and springs. Many times these bogs have little or no bottom in them.
I believe the number one cause of death for these animals is getting stuck in the bogs. I witnessed many cows and bulls getting trapped in this sticky muck. One cow ran in the mud and buried one front leg up to her shoulder. Tim and I rolled her back and forth until she was free.
Despite our intentions, this cow was not especially grateful for our efforts. Tim escaped by running down the river. I used the four-wheeler as a shield and she circled me until she ran head first into the four-wheeler. Then she decided to move on. Even before she got stuck in the river, she was the most aggressive cow we had witnessed. She was the largest cow on the island at about 1500 pounds and she was not nursing a baby.
My June visit fell during the breeding season. The cows divided themselves into groups of about 60 with two elder bulls. Small groups of younger bulls, maybe two to four years old, would lurk in the distance as though they were taking lessons or waiting their turn. In October, the cows were in larger groups of varying numbers. The bulls were scattered around the island in groups of three to five.
When a group of cows would sense danger, they would head for higher ground rather than join other cows. The elder bulls always seemed to be the curious ones. They would stay behind to watch what was happening rather than lead the escape. But given the option of fight or flight, they always chose flight. One thing to consider is that it is virtually impossible to put an individual animal in a corner in this natural habitat. We corralled a group of about 80 cows and a dozen bulls in a 200 acre fenced pen and they always look for an exit.
I have spent eight days on this island observing, studying and learning. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department has stated that they want the cattle off of the island in order to protect the birds. However, even with the cows, there is an excessive number of bald eagles, seagulls, ravens and numerous other birds already living in cohabitation. I have no doubt that this is simply another governmental agenda without regard for the real value of what exists on this island. Stay tuned for more developments.
