When most people think of Switzerland, they envision snow-capped Alps, picturesque old cities and mouthwatering cheese and chocolate. Few are aware that the Valais region has a century-old tradition of cow-fighting. On May 8, 2011, this year's competition took place in Aproz. Unlike the bullfights of Spain where the bull is killed, the Heren and Eringer cows of Switzerland fight for the herd's queen. These small, sturdy breeds are genetically predisposed for combativeness and instinctively challenge each other for dominance. Prompted by their owners, these breeds have battled it out on their mountain pastures for centuries.
