Were the original wild cows dangerous?

Cows are descended from the aurochs, which is now extinct. It was about six feet tall at the shoulder and very powerful, with massive horns. There's no doubt that people were occasionally killed hunting it. You have only to look at how dangerous related animals like African buffalo are today.

Yes that's true. Modern domesticated cows don't have any defenses. If you turned them loose on a prairie they'd be decimated by wolves or hyenas or any other big carnivores that existed. Their wilder cousins (like bison, buffalo, etc.) have better defenses and they also know strategies for dealing with predators.

Actually a modern bull is a handful. Bulls can be very dangerous. Most male cattle are castrated (steers) and one reason for this is to make them more manageable.

Not all modern cows are as docile as you think...working as a wildlife biologist in grazing areas has taught me to beware of cows as I and other biologists I know have been charged by them. Most will run when they see us..others are curious and will approach to check us out and follow us around to see what we are up too..but occassionaly we will get one that attacks!