Cows wear bells mainly to help farmers locate them while grazing, especially in large, unfenced, or hilly areas where cows can roam freely and be out of sight. The bells produce sounds that travel long distances, allowing cattle owners to track their cows easily. Besides tracking, bells historically served other purposes such as warding off predators, identifying the best milk producers, participating in ceremonial events, warning people of the cows' presence, and differentiating neighbor’s cows. Additionally, the use of cowbells dates back thousands of years and remains a tradition, especially in places like Switzerland. Research has shown that wearing bells can affect cows' behavior, such as reducing rumination and lying time, which may have welfare implications. Nonetheless, the tradition continues for practical and cultural reasons, although modern alternatives like GPS tracking are now available.