Cow Tipping

No matter where you live you’ve likely heard stories about people allegedly trespassing onto farms for this cattle collapsing form of late-night hooliganism. The problem is that these stories are almost definitely not true.

The legends of cow tipping were so engrossing that it was the focus of a scientific study in 2005. The research concluded that over 650 pounds of exertion would be needed to tip over the average bovine. That would allow two people to accomplish the feat if the cow did not react to the invasion on its personal space whatsoever. If and when the cow were to adjust its footing, at least four to six people would be required in the attempt. Even with four to six, it would have to happen extremely fast and using the correct direction of force.

While the study suggested it is physically possible for a group of people to successfully bully a cow to the ground, there is no reason to believe cow tipping is actually something that happens.

First and foremost, cattle do not sleep standing up so you’d be hard pressed to find a cow in tip-ready positioning at night. Cows also have a remarkable sense of smell and hearing, allowing them to react quickly to approaching offenders. They are not the slowest animals, nor the most mild-mannered when being threatened.

There are also no Youtube videos showing a single occurance of successful cow tipping. While not the most scientific grounds for dismissal, it is hard to believe a single video would never have been posted.