When Cows Fly: See the Incredible Moment Helicopter Airlifts Injured Cattle to Safety in the Swiss Alps

Every year, as summer comes to a close, cows, goats and sheep who have spent their summer in mountain pastures on the Alps are herded back down to the safety and warmth of barns before the cold sets in.

Farmers and locals in the alpine regions across Europe have made a celebration of the trek, drawing tourists from near and far to watch the annual cow parade and participate in local festivals.

Taking place between August and October, and unlike western cattle drives, the parades often feature cows decked out in sashes and intricate floral headpieces and wreaths. The clanging of the bells around their neck creates a unique backdrop for the migration.

In Switzerland alone, a total of around 380,000 cows make the trip annually, according to Swiss Club. But in order to get to the parade, the cows must first make it down the mountain.

With that many cows, it’s inevitable that a few will have suffered injuries during their time on the mountain that might prevent them from making it back down safely.

In such cases, there is an answer: The cows are airlifted.

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On Friday, as nearly 1,000 cows started to make their descent to Urnerboden, Switzerland, there were at least 10 cows that were deemed unfit for travel by hoof.