Photos have captured selfie-loving tourists defying official warnings to stay away from Highland cows after the animals went viral on social media.
Visitors in their droves made their way to Butser Hill in Hampshire over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend after interest in the cows ‘exploded’ online.
Several TikTok videos featuring the animals have gone viral in recent months, with more than 300,000 video hashtags relating them – with some boasting over 50,000 likes.
One walker told their followers this is ‘your sign to visit the Highland cows in Hampshire,’ while another posted about ‘a wholesome hike you must do before winter is over’.
But the videos have led to a surge in tourists visiting the beauty spot near Petersfield, with some spotted taking selfies from mere feet away.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which runs the nature reserve, has urged visitors to ‘not touch or approach’ Highland cows amid the hike in social media attention.
Earlier this year, Hampshire Fire and Rescue were forced to rescue three visitors who became disoriented and got stuck on the tricky terrain while searching for the cows.
A woman can be seen getting quite close with a Highland cow on Butser Hill in Hampshire despite warnings to keep clear of the animals
In another picture, the woman can be seen leaning into the animal despite the reserve warning visitors ‘not to approach’ the animals
A group of people taking a selfie near the rustic cattle near Petersfield, Hampshire over the weekend
Station manager Steve Jenkins said that while social media posts show the Highland cows and panoramic views, they ‘rarely reflect the physical effort or preparation required to reach them’.
‘The terrain can be challenging, especially during winter when poor weather conditions are more frequent and the daylight hours are limited,’ he said.
‘The area is covered in thick gorse, and the wet weather has made the ground very slippery.
‘Without proper preparation, visitors are at risk of slips, falls and hypothermia. We’re glad no one was harmed during this incident, but it highlights the risks of visiting an exposed downland environment where conditions can change rapidly.’
Mr Jenkins advised visitors to check weather conditions, plan a route before heading out and wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy footwear.
In Ashford, Kent, park rangers were forced to put their Highland cows into hiding after the animals became ‘distressed’ by people ignoring warnings and ‘actively approaching’ them.
Tourists also flocked to the Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve to see the cows ‘free grazing’ after they found social media fame.
Local firefighters have attempted to deter people from visiting the cows after they had to rescue three people in January (Pictured: A visitor in Hampshire over the weekend)
A young girl posing near a Highland cow at Butser Hill in Hampshire over the weekend
It comes amid a surge in social media interest in the rustic cattle with more than 200,000 video hashtags relating to the animals on TikTok
Wildlife experts previously urged visitors to stay well back from a herd of Highland cows in Ashford, Kent, amid a surge of TikTokers descending on the site
Park rangers have since been forced to remove Highland cows from a nature reserve after visitors ignored warnings to keep their distance amid an unexpected social media attention
But the newfound fame was largely negative for the cows, who became unsettled and distressed as they couldn’t eat or sleep without being bothered by visitors despite stark warnings from Kent Wildlife Trust that the animals were ‘not pets’.
Several TikTok clips showed visitors walking up to the cattle, leaving the path to stand with them as they graze, and even trying to pet them.
Kent Wildlife Trust previously pointed out that these videos often showed the cows in clear signs of distress – shaking their horns as the filming influencers approach.
And due to the repeated warnings being ignored, the nature reserve was forced to move its Highland cows due to welfare concerns.
In a social media post, they said: ‘We’re sad to say we’ve made the decision to remove the cows at Hothfield Heathlands, at least for the time being.
‘After some recent viral posts of people getting up close (and sometimes even touching) the cows, interest in them has exploded.
‘We love that people love our animals, but unfortunately lots of people have been ignoring our 10-metre rule and the pressure on the lovely Highlands has become too much.
‘When under pressure, the cows can become distressed and not carry out their jobs as ecosystem engineers.
An influx of tourists has resulted in negative outcomes elsewhere, with park rangers in Ashford forced to remove their Highland cows from a nature reserve
Queen Elizabeth Country Park who run the park in Hampshire also urged visitors to keep their dogs under control (Pictured: More visitors over the weekend)
A woman taking a picture of one of the Highland cows while two others observe the rustic cattle
Three tourists on Buster Hill nearby a Highland cow as they take pictures of the animals
Despite stressed guidance, the Highland cattle in Kent became unsettled as they were unable to sleep or eat without being bothered
‘That’s best case – and worst case, they could start to react out of fear.’
They added: ‘To keep our cows and everybody safe and healthy, we’ve moved the Highlands for now,’ the post continued.
‘This’ll be sad for those of you who love to visit them safely at Hothfield – we can only apologise and hope you understand.’
Ian Rickards, Kent Wildlife Trust area manager, said: ‘The constant pressure will be affecting the animals’ ability to behave naturally.
‘Also, the effect of hundreds of people walking off paths across sensitive habitat will be damaging the wildlife the site is designated for.’