‘World’s most dangerous bird’, a cassowary, attacks and kills its owner
- Native to Australia and New Guinea, a cassowary ‘can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick’, according to animal experts
A large, flightless bird native to Australia and New Guinea attacked and killed its owner when the man fell on his property in Florida, authorities said on Saturday.
The Alachua County Fire Rescue Department told the Gainesville Sun that a cassowary killed the man Friday on the property near Gainesville, probably using its long claws. The victim, whose name was not released, was apparently breeding the birds, state wildlife officials said.
“It looks like it was accidental. My understanding is that the gentleman was in the vicinity of the bird and at some point fell. When he fell, he was attacked,” Deputy Chief Jeff Taylor told the newspaper.
He said first responders got a call at 10am on Friday and rushed the man to a hospital for trauma care but he died.
The county sheriff’s office identified the victim as Marvin Hajos, 75, and said a death investigation has been opened.
“Initial information indicates that this was a tragic accident for Mr Hajos,” said Lieutenant Brett Rhodenizer, a sheriff’s office spokesman, in an email to the paper. “The cassowary involved remains secured on private property at this time.”