Beware the Cassowary.

Warrigal

Warrigal

SF VIP
Location
Sydney, Australia
It is a common misconception that Australia is populated with dangerous wildlife but in general, most are not dangerous to humans. The exceptions tend to be the venomous snakes, a few spiders, crocodiles and sharks.

We have two large species of flightless birds, the emu and the cassowary. Emus (and llamas which are not native to OZ) will mug you for your food but only in wildlife parks where they have become accustomed to humans. Otherwise they give us a very wide berth.

Cassowaries, on the other hand have been known to attack and kill men who invade their territory, especially if they are guarding eggs. This report is of a Florida man who met this fate.

https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019...RKY0Pd2rXDK6IhzXsPWhG1BiueK73G65ShiXGxeyhhrSM
 

Very interesting info about these birds. I’ve never heard of them before.
Its incredible that a bird that size can do that much damage.
It also goes to show never to mess with Mother Nature
 
Sad story; many wild creatures stay wild in spite of some form of captivity. I hope they don't put it down, didn't see any reference to that in the articles. There is a US insurance company, not going to mention the name because I don't think they deserve the publicity , that is using a "somewhat"(?) domesticated emu in its commercials. Runs around, pecks at its reflection. I don't see the point of it, just feel sorry for the creature.
 

Keesha said:
Very interesting info about these birds. I’ve never heard of them before.
Its incredible that a bird that size can do that much damage.
It also goes to show never to mess with Mother Nature
Click to expand...

It is a rare occurrence because they live in rainforests in north Queensland and avoid human contact.
The only other instance that I can remember is a man who sneaked into Taronga zoo, Sydney, at night to steal the cassowary eggs.
He was found dead the next morning with punctured lungs. The cassowary is armed with powerful legs and toes with formidable toenails.
 
Warrigal said:
It is a common misconception that Australia is populated with dangerous wildlife but in general, most are not dangerous to humans. The exceptions tend to be the venomous snakes, a few spiders, crocodiles and sharks.
Click to expand...
It fascinates me that you say that, Warrigal. About 20 years ago, I took the family for a week on the northern Queensland coast. Researching the area before our trip, I was stunned by the sheer number of potentially dangerous critters that inhabit that beautiful region. We enjoyed our visit, but generally avoided the beach (box jelly season) and only walked in the rain forest accompanied by knowledgeable local companions.
 
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