‘Unhappy cow’ attacks two people, sending them to hospital, Texas officials say

Two people were injured, one seriously, after an “unhappy cow” attacked them in central Texas, officials say.

The incident happened in rural Leon County, and one of those attacked was a rancher, county emergency management said in a June 9 news release. Deputies with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office also responded, officials said.

Both people were taken to hospitals for treatment — one by ambulance, and the other by helicopter, as their injuries were “more serious,” emergency management said.

A photo shared by emergency management shows first responders used a nearby road as a landing pad for the helicopter.

“Prayers for quick healing,” officials said.

Officials haven’t provided an update on the conditions of the two individuals. McClatchy News reached out for information but didn’t immediately receive a response.

It’s also unclear what led up to the attack.

Leon County is about a 130-mile drive southeast from Dallas.

Over a five year span, experts determined between 20-22 people were killed by cows in the U.S., and most attacks are “thought to be intentional,” according to the University of Texas at Tyler. Bulls are responsible for the majority of those deaths — and account for nearly half of all cattle-caused fatalities.

However, cows with newborn calves can also be dangerous, according to the university.

“The most common activity taking place during the attack was when workers were tending to or treating the animals, most likely in close quarters. The most frequent cause of death was blunt force trauma to the chest from being kicked or trampled,” the university said.

This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM with the headline "‘Unhappy cow’ attacks two people, sending them to hospital, Texas officials say."