- By Ridam Sharma
- Sat, 06 Sep 2025 06:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Colour red is often associated with danger, anger and aggressiveness, especially when bulls are also in context. Bulls have always been known to charge at the colour red; this phenomenon mainly got popular because of bullfighting culture. However, to your surprise, the popular claim that they charge at red in particular is just a myth. Bulls are, in fact, colorblind to red and green colours. What provokes aggression in them is not the colour of the cloth but the sudden movement in front of them, according to the Centreofthecell.org.
Why Do Bulls Charge At Red?
Cattle, including bulls, possess dichromatic vision. This means that they can see blues and yellows but not reds and greens. A red cape, which is also known as the muleta in bullfighting against the bull, appears grey or dull yellow in colour to them. The red focus in bullfighting is actually just for the spectators. It gives a dramatic and colourful turn to the game.
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Why Bulls Charge On Humans?
Bulls are defensive and territorial animals. Charging is an aftermath of perceived threats or irritations. It is the movement of the cape being waved in bullfighting that causes the charge and not the colour of the cape. The muleta constantly waved engages the bull's natural tendency to pursue, linking the object to a rival, and they are attacked.
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The cultural preference for red capes is centuries old in Spanish bullfights. The red-hot colour also represents danger and passion, all of which add the perfect vibe for the ultimate confrontation between man and animal. However, it's important to know that bullfighting is a dangerous sport and is banned in some countries.
In short, bulls do not charge at red as a threatening sight. Instead, they are provoked by movement and by instinct. The popular red cape is less a matter of animal biology than human tradition and psychology.
