Pony kick triggers hiking accident in Vorarlberg: Man falls down steep slope

Rescue with helicopter C8

Police, mountain rescue, and the helicopter rescue crews deployed and recovered the injured man using a C8 helicopter. He was then flown to a hospital. Police initially provided no information regarding the exact nature of his injuries.

The incident sheds light on the risks that grazing animals can pose on alpine hikes. In the Vorarlberg region, free-roaming or semi-wild animals such as ponies, goats, or cows are not uncommon on certain routes. Alpine clubs regularly advise hikers to keep their distance and not to leave marked trails.

Investigations by Bludenz police

According to the emergency services, the pony that delivered the kick is located in a goat enclosure near the hiking area. How contact between the animal and the hiker occurred is the subject of ongoing investigations. Bludenz police have launched an investigation and are examining in particular the course of the official trail in the affected section.

Incidents involving grazing animals on alpine pastures and mountain meadows occur repeatedly beyond Vorarlberg as well. Just recently, a dog had to be rescued from the Tote Gebirge in Styria after breaking a leg, and in another case, a 24-year-old was arrested in Bregenz following the use of a firearm. Authorities advise hikers to remain calm when encountering animals and under no circumstances to flee.

Advice for hikers

The district of Bludenz is one of the most popular hiking regions in Vorarlberg. The routes around St. Gerold and the locality of Blon partly pass through grazing land and are appreciated by day tourists as well as locals. According to mountain rescue services, the trails are particularly busy on weekends.

Following Sunday's accident, the section remains the subject of police investigations for the time being. The responsible authorities are examining whether signs need to be posted along the trail or grazing areas need to be secured differently. Hikers visiting the area in the coming days should not leave the marked routes and should pay particular attention to grazing animals.