Have you heard of THIS cow?

On a recent hike I came across a herd of cattle. It's not something that happens a lot, but it's always a surprise. Did I mention this herd was not fenced in?

I'm not an cattle expert (though I've played one on tv), but I think this might be a belted limousine, or beltosine.
The striped pattern is intentional but I can't recall why. Heck, it might even be a bull rather than a cow. Bovines weren't mentioned in my Field Guide.

The reason cattle are sometimes found along trails is because ranchers can lease public lands to graze their cattle. Aside from "stepping in something" and damage to trails, I've always found the cattle to be a minor concern. If I see horns I keep a little more distance.

I've also developed a rule of thumb about hiking: pay attention to the wildlife you see, but also be aware of any animals that might want to eat what you see. Like cougars.