Latest news with #cassowary
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Warning as 'dangerous' creature spotted in Aussie yard
A home security camera has captured the 'dangerous' moment a woman and her child were chased into their home by a large cassowary in Australia. The footage has prompted Queensland's environment department (DETSI) to issue a warning not to feed them, as the prospect of an easy meal is luring birds from forests into neighbouring suburbs. Filmed at Mission Beach in the state's tropical north, the clip shows a male bird and his chick continuing to wait outside the door because they've learned to associate humans with food. Local vet Dr Graham Lauridsen has seen an increase in people who visit the holiday town intentionally using scraps to lure the birds into the frame of their camera. 'They're getting fed more than ever before. And people are feeding them so they can get themselves a photo with a cassowary and stick it on social media,' he told Yahoo News. 'It doesn't seem to matter how many times we tell people. I think we need to start fining people for doing it, especially if they're repeat offenders.' Related: 😳 Entire Aussie street living in fear of 55-kilo wild bird's 'bold behaviour' In the security footage, there's one particular detail that's concerning experts — the presence of the chick. 'Cassowaries can injure you if they're stirred up enough. That can be if they're pushing them away because you don't want them to be near you, or if they've got chicks around,' Lauridsen said. 'They will bring their chicks to where the food supply is when they're caring for them. And if you get between them and the chick, they'll do you harm.' 🚨 Cassowary risking its life due to driver behaviour 📸 Confronting picture showcases state of Aussie wildlife on world stage 🔦 Rare animal hiding in outback photo helps solve decades-long mystery DETSI said the incident, which occurred in May, is one of several linked to the illegal feeding of cassowaries. In April, a man in his seventies was hospitalised after being kicked in the leg at another location. Ranger Jeff Lewis said DETSI has installed signage and worked to educate people in the area, but the problem persists, and this is highlighted by the video. 'Thankfully the mother and child were able to get inside to safety, but it's an important reminder to not interfere with wildlife,' he said. Lauridsen has become an 'unfortunate' cassowary expert at his Tropical Vets practice because of the high number of incidents involving injured cassowaries. While he estimates at least one person is injured by a cassowary every year, the act of feeding them is having an even bigger impact on the birds themselves, with the Australian species now listed as endangered. Lauridsen has treated close to 400 birds in the 25 years he's been working with DETSI. 'Almost all cassowaries that have been hit by cars or attacked by dogs in Mission Beach, when we've done post-mortems on them, they have domestic fruits inside them,' Lauridsen said. 'We say in the field that a fed bird is a dead bird.' Unfortunately for people who live in the holiday town, cassowaries don't only harass those who regularly feed them. It can result in someone who does the right thing being attacked. Lauridsen explained cassowaries 'don't necessarily distinguish one person from another', so an unsuspecting resident could be attacked because they've been fed by a neighbour, a person up the street, tourists, or kids waiting for the bus. 'They literally believe humans will provide them with food whenever they're around, and unfortunately, when they don't, they're scary and potentially dangerous,' he said. Cassowaries have three claws on each foot, but it's the inner toe that's the most deadly because it has a 10 to 15-centimetre 'dagger' that can be used to kill. Fatalities are rare, and they usually occur when the birds are in captivity, with the last known death occurring in Florida in 2019. Cassowaries are thought to have evolved 60 million years ago — six million years after the last of the non-avian dinosaurs became extinct. Over that time they've become an essential part of Queensland's rainforests, eating native plants and distributing their seeds. When the birds are fed a diet of commercial fruits, they are no longer fulfilling their natural role in the environment, and the landscape as we know it could begin to change. Anyone who wishes to report a cassowary displaying worrying behaviour is urged to contact rangers on 1300 130 372. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Warning as 'dangerous' creature spotted in Aussie backyard
A home security camera has captured the 'dangerous' moment a woman and her child were chased into their home by a large cassowary in Australia. The footage has prompted Queensland's environment department (DETSI) to issue a warning not to feed them, as the prospect of an easy meal is luring birds from forests into neighbouring suburbs. Filmed at Mission Beach in the state's tropical north, the clip shows a male bird and his chick continuing to wait outside the door because they've learned to associate humans with food. Local vet Dr Graham Lauridsen has seen an increase in people who visit the holiday town intentionally using scraps to lure the birds into the frame of their camera. 'They're getting fed more than ever before. And people are feeding them so they can get themselves a photo with a cassowary and stick it on social media,' he told Yahoo News. 'It doesn't seem to matter how many times we tell people. I think we need to start fining people for doing it, especially if they're repeat offenders.' Related: 😳 Entire Aussie street living in fear of 55-kilo wild bird's 'bold behaviour' In the security footage, there's one particular detail that's concerning experts — the presence of the chick. 'Cassowaries can injure you if they're stirred up enough. That can be if they're pushing them away because you don't want them to be near you, or if they've got chicks around,' Lauridsen said. 'They will bring their chicks to where the food supply is when they're caring for them. And if you get between them and the chick, they'll do you harm.' 🚨 Cassowary risking its life due to driver behaviour 📸 Confronting picture showcases state of Aussie wildlife on world stage 🔦 Rare animal hiding in outback photo helps solve decades-long mystery DETSI said the incident, which occurred in May, is one of several linked to the illegal feeding of cassowaries. In April, a man in his seventies was hospitalised after being kicked in the leg at another location. Ranger Jeff Lewis said DETSI has installed signage and worked to educate people in the area, but the problem persists, and this is highlighted by the video. 'Thankfully the mother and child were able to get inside to safety, but it's an important reminder to not interfere with wildlife,' he said. Lauridsen has become an 'unfortunate' cassowary expert at his Tropical Vets practice because of the high number of incidents involving injured cassowaries. While he estimates at least one person is injured by a cassowary every year, the act of feeding them is having an even bigger impact on the birds themselves, with the Australian species now listed as endangered. Lauridsen has treated close to 400 birds in the 25 years he's been working with DETSI. 'Almost all cassowaries that have been hit by cars or attacked by dogs in Mission Beach, when we've done post-mortems on them, they have domestic fruits inside them,' Lauridsen said. 'We say in the field that a fed bird is a dead bird.' Unfortunately for people who live in the holiday town, cassowaries don't only harass those who regularly feed them. It can result in someone who does the right thing being attacked. Lauridsen explained cassowaries 'don't necessarily distinguish one person from another', so an unsuspecting resident could be attacked because they've been fed by a neighbour, a person up the street, tourists, or kids waiting for the bus. 'They literally believe humans will provide them with food whenever they're around, and unfortunately, when they don't, they're scary and potentially dangerous,' he said. Cassowaries have three claws on each foot, but it's the inner toe that's the most deadly because it has a 10 to 15-centimetre 'dagger' that can be used to kill. Fatalities are rare, and they usually occur when the birds are in captivity, with the last known death occurring in Florida in 2019. Cassowaries are thought to have evolved 60 million years ago — six million years after the last of the non-avian dinosaurs became extinct. Over that time they've become an essential part of Queensland's rainforests, eating native plants and distributing their seeds. When the birds are fed a diet of commercial fruits, they are no longer fulfilling their natural role in the environment, and the landscape as we know it could begin to change. Anyone who wishes to report a cassowary displaying worrying behaviour is urged to contact rangers on 1300 130 372. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Forbes
08-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Meet 4 ‘Killer' Birds That Have Been Known To Attack People — Explained By A Biologist
Do you know what the world's most deadly animal is? I'll give you a hint. It has wings and is capable of flight – but it's not a bird. The answer? A mosquito. Mosquitoes are a true scourge, responsible for up to one million human deaths per year. Mosquitoes aren't deadly from their bites alone – though, to be fair, a swarm of mosquitos is not something to overlook as they can kill cattle, horses and other large mammals in rare cases. Rather, what makes them so dangerous are the diseases they carry – malaria, dengue, yellow fever and others. Birds, on the other hand, can also be dangerous to humans due to the contagions they carry – the most common being avian flu, or H5N1. Nevertheless, the danger posed by bird flu is orders of magnitude less than that of malaria. To give some context, confirmed human deaths from bird flu over the past two decades is less than 500. I repeat: mosquitoes kill up to a million people per year. The odds of human death or injury by bird attack is even more remote. But it does happen. When it does, it's often inflicted by one of the following four bird species – two of which we have documented evidence of human fatalities. Southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius). getty Often dubbed 'the world's most dangerous bird,' the cassowary (Casuarius spp.) lives in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea. These flightless birds are striking in appearance – bright blue skin, a helmet-like casque on their heads, and dagger-like claws on each foot. While they are usually shy and elusive, cassowaries can become highly aggressive if they feel threatened, especially during breeding season or when defending chicks. Their most fearsome weapon is a sharp, curved claw on each foot, which can grow up to 5 inches long. With a single kick, they can slash open skin and sever arteries. One of the first documented fatal cassowary attacks occurred in Australia in 1926, when a 16-year-old boy reportedly tried to club and kill the bird. The cassowary kicked him in the neck, severing his jugular vein. He died shortly afterward from his injuries. More recently, a 75-year-old man was killed by a cassowary at an exotic animal breeding farm in Florida, where the bird was being kept in captivity. The man suffered more than a dozen lacerations from the bird's sharp claws and died shortly after paramedics arrived on the scene. Many other attacks have been reported in Australia, though most are non-fatal. Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen). getty Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) are notorious for their aggressive swooping behavior during breeding season, particularly from August to October. Found throughout Australia, these medium-sized birds are highly territorial and will defend their nests with surprising boldness against much larger intruders, including humans. Cyclists, joggers, and walkers are common targets, especially if they inadvertently stray too close to a nesting site. Attacks usually involve fast, low swoops from behind, often accompanied by loud squawking. While many incidents result in no more than a scare, some have caused eye injuries, concussions, or cycling accidents. There have been reports of people crashing their bicycles while trying to avoid swooping magpies, leading to broken bones or worse. In rare cases, efforts to avoid these swooping birds have ended in tragedy. In 2019, a 76-year-old man from Sydney died from head injuries sustained in a bicycle accident while trying to evade a swooping magpie. Experts suggest that not all magpies are aggressive. Only about 10% of male magpies engage in this behavior, and they often remember individual humans they perceive as threats. Wearing sunglasses on the back of your head, using zip-ties on helmets, or avoiding known nesting areas during breeding season are all common countermeasures. (Sidebar: While the birds discussed here attack humans only in self-defense or to defend territory, meet two birds of prey that may have viewed humans as a source of food: one is recently extinct and the other lives on in this region of the Americas.) Ostrich (Struthio camelus). getty The ostrich (Struthio camelus), the world's largest bird, may not be able to fly but its long legs and stature make it a serious threat if provoked. Native to Africa, ostriches can stand over 9 feet tall and weigh upwards of 300 pounds. Their long legs are incredibly powerful, capable of delivering a deadly kick with sharp, clawed toes. These kicks are strong enough to kill large predators like lions, and can easily injure or kill a human. Ostriches are generally peaceful grazers, but during breeding season or when cornered, they can become extremely defensive. Males, in particular, are known to be aggressive when guarding a mate or nest. Attacks on humans typically occur in captivity or farming situations, where humans may unknowingly enter their territory. Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). getty The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is Australia's second-largest bird after the cassowary and, while less aggressive, it can still pose a threat under certain conditions. Emus are curious, fast-moving, flightless birds that can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and stand over 6 feet tall. Unlike cassowaries, they lack a killing claw, but their powerful legs can inflict serious damage with a kick or shove. Emus are not naturally aggressive toward humans, but like any large wild animal, they can become defensive if startled, provoked, or protecting their territory. Incidents involving emus typically occur in captivity or areas where humans have fed them and altered their natural behavior. In some tourist regions, emus have been known to chase people for food or become overly familiar – leading to head-butts, pecking or the occasional knockdown. During Australia's infamous 'Emu War' in 1932, soldiers struggled to control large flocks of emus that were damaging crops – highlighting both the bird's resilience and wariness. While the emu's reputation is more comedic than fearsome, it's important not to underestimate these towering birds. Giving them space and not feeding wild animals are all key to peaceful coexistence. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a (friendly) pet bird? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your animal.
Forbes
01-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights The World's Most Aggressive Bird. Hint: It's Flightless, It's Not The Ostrich, And It's Been Known To Kill People
In the case of flightless birds, the biggest isn't always the most terrifying. It is the ... More third-biggest flightless bird that you really need to be wary of. When we think of flightless birds, aggressive is probably not the word that comes to mind. We might think of a peacock calmly roaming the perimeter of a zoo (peacocks, however, aren't true flightless birds – they are capable of flying for short distances). We might think of the unfortunate dodo of Mauritius. This was a bird so docile and unafraid of environmental threats it was hunted out of existence in less than 100 years. Or, we might think of the ostrich. The ostrich, the world's biggest flightless bird, does pose some threat to humans. There are documented cases of people being kicked by the ostrich's powerful legs, resulting in serious injuries. But the bird we really need to be careful around – assuming you live in northern Australia or the New Guinea region – is the cassowary. Here's its story and why it can be so dangerous to humans. A southern cassowary strides through the dense rainforest of Queensland, Australia. The cassowary is a bird that looks like it stepped out of the Cretaceous period. Standing up to six feet tall and weighing as much as 130 pounds, it is undoubtedly an imposing figure. Its glossy black feathers resemble a coarse cloak. On top of its head rests a helmet-like casque – a keratin structure whose exact function remains debated. Some biologists suggest it helps with navigating dense forest or amplifies the cassowary's deep, rumbling calls. Cassowaries are notoriously territorial, especially the females, who are larger and more aggressive than the males. They defend their domain fiercely and are not afraid to charge when they feel threatened. The real danger lies in their legs. Each foot has three toes, the inner one armed with a dagger-like claw up to five inches long. These claws aren't just for show, they are powerful weapons, capable of inflicting deep gashes or even fatal injuries. There are numerous documented cases of cassowaries attacking humans. The most infamous incident occurred in 1926, when a 16-year-old boy was reportedly killed by a cassowary after attempting to club it. While fatal encounters are exceedingly rare, serious injuries are not. In Australia, wildlife officers have had to develop protocols for safely managing these birds, particularly in areas where humans and cassowaries frequently cross paths. (Sidebar: While few birds rival the cassowary's power on land, one rules the skies. Meet the world's strongest flying bird – it can, and does, attack humans too.) It's not just aggression that makes cassowaries stand out. It also their speed and agility. These birds can sprint up to 30 miles per hour and leap five feet into the air. They can swim well too, making them even more formidable in their dense rainforest habitat. Cassowaries are highly territorial birds and will fiercely defend their range from intruders. Why are they so aggressive? One theory points to their solitary nature and high parental investment. Female cassowaries lay eggs, but it's the male who incubates them and raises the chicks alone. This solitary, protective behavior can translate into aggression when the bird feels cornered or surprised. In areas where cassowaries come into contact with humans – like trails, suburban edges or tourist sites – conflict can escalate quickly. Conservationists stress that cassowaries are not villains. Their aggression is a natural defense mechanism. Furthermore, these birds play a critical role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds of the plants they consume. Without cassowaries, some plant species might struggle to survive. Respect, not fear, is the key. Keeping a safe distance and avoiding feeding or provoking them helps ensure peaceful coexistence. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Zoo hopes pair of 'enormous' cassowaries will mate
A zoo has been attempting to breed a pair of "enormous" southern cassowaries. Paignton Zoo in Devon said the birds –16-year-old male Madrid and 11-year-old female Twiggy – met for the first time this week after spending years in adjacent enclosures. Staff said the time spent near each other meant there were was already a "strong comfort level" between the. The 2m-tall (6ft) species, considered endangered in its native Australian rainforest habitat, is thought to be more similar to dinosaurs than most other birds. Lisa Ward, the zoo's team leader of birds, said children are "often awestruck" by them. More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon A zoo spokesman said: "With their distinctive helmet-like casques, cassowaries are often described as the world's most dangerous birds, making them a must-see attraction, particularly for dinosaur enthusiasts." The birds can reach speeds of more than 30mph (48kmh) when sprinting, the zoo said. Madrid arrived at the zoo in 2009, while Twiggy was brought over in 2017. Ms Ward said the pair had a long-standing neighbourly relationship. "That's potentially why we didn't see any of the aggression that can sometimes occur with new introductions," she added. The zoo said mating attempts were made throughout the first day but keepers were not certain how successful the efforts had been. "They'll need some time to figure things out together," Ms Ward said. "But all the signs so far are incredibly positive. We're cautiously optimistic that we might hear the patter of tiny talons in the future." Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Zoo prepares for arrival of storm-hit wallabies Zoo welcomes arrival of 'Bambi-like' antelope calf Romance hopes for popcorn-scented bearcats Paignton Zoo
