Fear of bulls (taurophobia)

Taurophobia is a fear of bulls. For walkers and people who live in the countryside it can mean avoiding fields with livestock, planning routes around farms, or feeling frozen at the sight of cattle behind a gate.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Latin taurus, meaning bull, which is also the name of the star sign. It is an uncommon term found mainly on phobia lists. Some caution around bulls is reasonable, as they can be dangerous, and the fear often overlaps with a wider fear of cows or other large animals.

What it feels like

• Refusing to cross fields or footpaths where cattle might be grazing
• A pounding heart at the sound of hooves or the sight of horns
• Worry before country walks or farm visits, sometimes cancelling plans

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is it sensible to be afraid of bulls?

A degree of caution is wise, since bulls are large and can be unpredictable, and walkers are generally advised to keep their distance. It becomes a phobia when the fear stops you enjoying the countryside at all or causes panic even when you are clearly safe.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices