Because of their size and other elements, this bird can be more of a fiend than a friend. But why are cassowaries unsafe?
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Are they natural predators or is it simply the reality that they can be discovered in Australia that makes them so frightening? It does not help that they relate to velociraptors.
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Why are cassowaries unsafe?
According to Discovery, not just are cassowaries unsafe — the southern cassowary is thought about the most dangerous bird in the world. They have actually been understood to eliminate other animals and individuals, despite their relationship with them. Back in 2019, among these big birds attacked and killed its owner in Florida (should that individual actually have owned one, though? Probably not).
Regardless, not only are these birds big and aggressive, they also have the tools to cause some serious damage. According to the Library of Congress, the they can weigh up to 160 pounds and stand up to six feet tall. They have talons that can grow to up to four inches long, and they are even made more than deadly because their legs are so strong.
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Thanks to these long legs, cassowaries can run and swim very fast. They can also jump high into the air and have strong kicks that make them great predators of almost anything that could stand in their way.
Despite this, these birds don’t kill other animals for food. They actually eat fruits and small insects primarily so it’s more likely they attack others as a defense mechanism.
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Why are cassowaries aggressive?
Although it’s not clear why cassowaries are so quick to anger, it’s possible that they are always looking for the next threat. Like many other wild animals, these birds are primarily trying to protect themselves. Because they are so big, it’s not easy to imagine another animal trying to square up against one of them.
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Although these big birds are aggressive, they don’t go out of their way to get into trouble. In fact, the Guinness Book of World Records stated that they only actually fight as a last resort, if they feel like their lives or that of their babies are being threatened. And although they do injure people, it’s a rare occurrence. You’re more likely to be attacked by a dog.
Unfortunately, that could change sooner than we would like to think. Guinness points out that the cassowary’s natural habitats have been dwindling over the years since of property development. As a result, these large birds have been seen at coastal resorts in Queensland and have made their way into residential areas.
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If you happen to see a cassowary in a place they shouldn’t be, the Save the Cassowary campaign says that you shouldn’t feed or interact with them. And although it may seem tempting, do not run away. Instead, keep your distance and find a safe place to hide. Also, make sure your pets are out of their reach in a place where the birds can’t get to them.
In Australia, you can report non-urgent sightings to [email protected]. If you see among these birds in some sort of distress, call the 24-hour hotline 1300 130 372. If somebody hurt, call emergency situation services.
