Gaur: facts, danger and how to survive it
The largest wild cattle in the world, heavy and muscular. Herds are peaceful until pushed, then a bull will charge and can break walls.
About the real animal
The gaur, sometimes called the Indian bison, is the largest wild cattle in the world. A big bull can weigh close to a tonne and stand taller than a man at the shoulder, with a dark coat, pale lower legs that look like white socks and a heavy muscular ridge across the shoulders. Herds of cows and calves graze in forest clearings and bamboo, led by an old cow, and bulls often wander alone. Gaur are shy and rarely attack, but a bull that is cornered or wounded is very dangerous.
In the game
Gaur graze in herds in the forest clearings. They are peaceful until pushed. A bull that is hurt or cornered will charge and can break wooden walls. A gaur gives more meat than any other grazer, but it is not worth the risk unless you have a rifle and room to retreat. Give a herd a wide berth.
Quick facts
| Found in | pine forest, mixed woodland, swamps |
|---|---|
| Active | by day and by night |
| Eats | plants |
| Temper | wary: it leaves you alone unless you disturb it |
| Strength | 240 health |
| Speed | walks at 1.4 m/s, runs at 8 m/s (you walk at 4 m/s and sprint at 7.5 m/s) |
| Attack | about 30 damage a hit, reach 2.4 m |
| Yields | 9 to 13 meat, 4 to 6 hide |
What to do
Give a herd room. A lot of meat, but not worth the risk.
More from this group
- 🦌DeerShy herds that feed at dawn and dusk.
- 🦌ChitalThe spotted deer of the Indian forests.
- 🫎Sambar deerThe largest deer of the Indian forests.
Back to all animals, or read the survival guide.