What's the Best Way to Escape a Charging Bull?

If you ever plan to attend the famous running of the bulls at the festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain, you will need to know the best way to escape a charging bull. Although there are no definitive rules in this adrenaline-filled practice on the streets of Pamplona, a few tips may be very helpful in case you come face to face with a raging bull. One tip that may help is that bulls run faster going uphill than downhill because they have longer hind legs than front legs. So running downhill to escape a bull is a better idea than running uphill.

Especially for new participants, it is important to avoid the opening 200 yards (183 m) of the run, as the bulls run the fastest in these very narrow streets. You should be aware of your surroundings while you run, and not just of the bulls, but also of other people. Beware of bulls that fall and separate from the herd, as they may be more dangerous in their confusion. Do not yell at the bulls or distract them. And if you happen to fall, the best thing to do is to stay down, curl up, and cover your head. Although the festival of San Fermín is a thrilling and memorable event, numerous participants are injured each year.

More about the festival of San Fermín:

• The festival takes place between 6 July and 14 July every year.
• During the festival, six fighting bulls are released each morning to run a half-mile (.8 km) course to the bullring, where they will ultimately be killed by matadors.
• Between 1924 and 2016, fifteen people died during the running of the bulls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I encounter a bull in an open field?

If you find yourself in an open field with a bull, remain calm and avoid making sudden movements. Do not run, as this may trigger the bull's instinct to chase. Instead, slowly back away while keeping an eye on the bull, and try to put a solid barrier between you and the animal if possible.

Is it effective to run in a zigzag pattern to escape a charging bull?

Running in a zigzag pattern is a myth and is not effective in escaping a charging bull. Bulls can run at speeds up to 35 mph, and they are more agile than they appear. Your best bet is to stay calm, move away slowly, and find a barrier or climb to higher ground if possible.

Can wearing certain colors, like red, provoke a bull to charge?

Contrary to popular belief, bulls are colorblind to red. The movement of a matador's cape, not its color, is what provokes a bull during a bullfight. It's the motion that can cause a bull to charge, so it's important to stay still or move away slowly and cautiously if you encounter a bull.

What are the signs that a bull is about to charge?

A bull may show several signs before charging, such as pawing the ground, snorting, or shaking its head. These behaviors indicate agitation. If a bull's ears are pinned back or if it's making direct eye contact, these can also be signs of imminent charging. Recognizing these behaviors can give you crucial seconds to react appropriately.

How can I protect myself if there's no time to escape a charging bull?

If a bull is charging and escape is not an option, use anything you have to distract the bull. Throw an object to the side to divert its attention away from you. If you're caught without an object, wait until the bull is close and sidestep out of the way at the last moment, as bulls have poor lateral vision.

Are there any preventative measures to avoid a bull charge?

To prevent a bull charge, respect the animal's space and avoid entering fields where bulls are known to graze. Always observe fences, warning signs, and never approach a bull, especially during breeding season or if calves are present, as bulls can be more aggressive when protecting their territory or young.