Many of us have a desire to live ‘home on the range’ and enjoy a simpler life. There is just something about living that close to nature that appeals to many people. Of course, we all enjoy our electronics but being able to put those things behind and truly enjoy life as it was a century ago has a lot of appeal. Perhaps that is why it is often said that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. We may have a good life now but it seems as if there is always a better life out of reach.
As it turns out, it is not only humans that feel similar but it is also animals. Case in point is this young Limousin Cow who managed to get out of her pasture in November and headed for greener pastures. It took place near the Bialowieza Forest in Poland. At first, they thought she was gone for good but now, she has been spotted with a herd of wild bison. Perhaps that is where the greener pasture was for her.
This picture, taken by Ornithologist Adam Zbyryt got a lot of attention.
At first, naturalists who lived in that area of Poland thought that she would be back to her own herd in no time at all. It seems as if she has a new herd because she doesn’t seem to be in a big hurry to get back home again.
Rafal Kowalczyk, who is a bison expert recently spotted her again. She seems to be waiting out the winter months with the bison herd and he even describes her as being ‘exceptional’.
The cow, who is a reddish-brown color appears to be in good health. Apparently, she has been foraging with the bison herd successfully. She also has something else going for her, the Limousin breed is able to handle the harsh winters because of their exceptionally thick fur. Eastern Poland is also experiencing a fairly mild winter, which has helped her as well.
People tend to love the story about this cow who ran away from the farm and caught up with a herd of wild bison. The problem is, it may be good for her but it is not good for the European bison species, which is endangered. In addition, if she were old enough to breed with a bison, the hybrid calf would probably kill her during birth because it was so much larger than a normal cow calf. The hybrid offspring has a place as a domesticated cow, known as a beefalo, but would also dilute the gene pool of the bison herd.
There are already plans underway to remove the rogue cow from the bison herd this summer but it might be difficult. Kowalczyk said:
“The more time she spends in the herd, the riskier it will be.”
Perhaps we can just appreciate the story of a bovine returning to her wild roots and joining the bison herd. One Facebook user said: “Next time when I think that something stops me from fulfilling my dreams, I will remember the cow who became a bison.”