Now, the interface between cattle operations and city folks has moved much further into the mountains. Cattle sometimes wander onto other people's property, eating petunias and leaving unsavory souvenirs behind. Often that honor system doesn't work. Nonetheless, brand inspectors report that cows have been shot, hit by cars and run off the road by people who do not understand the laws or just don't like the nuisance of dealing with cattle. As more people move into the outlying areas of the county, there are inevitable conflicts between ranchers and owners of small parcels.
Many newcomers have little experience with cattle or cattle operations.
Some livestock owners believe that newcomers should adjust to the presence of livestock - and they point out that the law is on their side. On the other side of the fence, some rural residents think livestock owners should make sure their animals stay home. While many have found a middle ground that allows them to keep the peace with their neighbors, quarrels over cows and fences have driven some ranchers out of the livestock business altogether. Gibbons said two of her neighbors sold out in the past year because of conflicts with other residents. Rist rift spurs talks Gibbons found herself at the center of a dispute late last summer, when many of her neighbors signed a petition asking that cows no longer be permitted to roam freely along public roads or trespass on private property.