Are Cassowaries Dangerous? (Reasons They Attack + How To Avoid)

Cassowaries are unique and fascinating flightless birds from Australia and Papua New Guinea.There are three species and Casuarina genus, and the infamous Southern cassowary (Casuarina) is the largest and most famous. These colorful ratites are the second heaviest birds in the world, sometimes weighing more than 160 pounds (73 kilograms) and standing nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

Cassowaries have been recognized as the most dangerous birds in the world, but do they really deserve that title? How dangerous are they?

However, cassowaries certainly have the ability to injure and even kill people under certain circumstances, and this has happened more than once. These birds are large, powerful, and extremely fast. They can cause serious injury by kicking with their large, sharp claws, so it can be said that the cassowary is a dangerous bird.

Cassowaries are generally shy and elusive birds that avoid human contact, so people generally have nothing to fear.

Tame or accustomed cassowaries are probably the most dangerous. When these birds lose their fear of humans, they can become very aggressive. Wild cassowaries are most likely to attack when defending themselves or their eggs and chicks. This task falls only to the male bird, and he is perfectly qualified for the job. Bird watchers should always treat these modern dinosaurs with the respect they deserve.

Cassowaries are generally shy and elusive birds that avoid human contact, so people usually have nothing to fear

Fortunately, cassowaries usually give sound warnings before attacking, including purring, neck and head bowing, and feather ruffing. The best way to avoid aggression is to give these birds the space they deserve and not try to feed or harass them.

However, there is always the possibility of being caught off guard, so it pays to know how to handle yourself if you do come across an aggressive cassowary.

In this article, we break down the facts about cassowary attacks. Read on to learn about the warning signs and what to do if you’re attacked.

Close up head of a southern cassowary

How do cassowaries protect themselves?

Cassowaries possess remarkable speed and agility, all the more impressive considering the dense and complex natural environment of their natural habitat. These birds will flee from danger, although they are also well equipped to defend themselves with powerful kicks and sharp claws.

A closer look at a cassowary’s big three-toed foot reveals a sharp claw at the end of each finger. The inner claws are unique – these dagger-like nails are straighter and 4 inches (10 cm) or longer in length!

Read on to learn when cassowaries are most likely to use these dangerous weapons.

Closeup of a cassowary’s powerful legs and claws

When Do Cassowaries Become Aggressive?

Cassowaries become most aggressive when they are fed by humans. When these birds lose their natural fear of us, they can become dangerous and aggressive. Cassowaries also attack for nobler reasons, such as when defending themselves or their chicks.

Do cassowaries attack for no reason?

Cassowaries don’t usually attack for no reason. A 1999 study of cassowary attacks in northern Australia found that most of the attacks came from birds asking humans for free food. They also attack to defend food sources or to protect themselves and their young.

Cassowaries are large, powerful birds

Can a cassowary be friendly?

Cassowaries are wild animals that should not be considered friendly. These birds are large and potentially dangerous animals that can be especially aggressive when they become comfortable around humans. Even “pet” cassowaries can attack their owners, sometimes with fatal results.

Are cassowaries aggressive to humans?

Cassowaries are generally shy and not aggressive towards humans. As we increasingly encroach on their threatened forest homes, birds are increasingly forced into contact with humans, a situation that is not being improved by feeding and taming these potentially dangerous animals.

Cassowaries are aggressive towards humans and other animals such as dogs. Assaults and other unpleasant encounters occur in northern Australia every year, although life-threatening injuries are rare.

Close up head of a southern cassowary

Are cassowaries aggressive towards other birds?

Cassowaries are solitary territorial birds that generally do not tolerate intruders well. They are unlikely to show aggression towards different birds, although a father would certainly protect his young from birds of prey.

However, aggression and fighting among cassowaries is common. The birds kick each other with sharp claws and roar loudly.

Signs a cassowary is about to attack

Cassowaries stick out their long necks and lower their heads before fighting. They also flutter their feathers to make themselves appear as large as possible while making a series of loud, growling and purring sounds.

Cassowaries can become aggressive when begging for food, or if you get too close to their eggs or chicks. If you notice any aggressive behavior in your cassowaries, back off – these birds can be dangerous.

Frontal portrait of a cassowary

What if a cassowary chases you?

Cassowaries are surprisingly fast, and if one of these birds is determined to approach you, you have little chance of escaping. If you are near a building, vehicle, or a safe area with a zoomable fence, you can try to retreat.

In most cases, however, you need to face the threat head-on and prepare for the worst.

If you are being chased by a cassowary, seek help immediately and use whatever is at your disposal to protect your belly, neck and face. A backpack or any other large object can save you from serious injury. Stay calm and focused while slowly moving away from the bird. Do not go to the ground, as this is where the worst injuries occur.

How Fast Can a Cassowary Go?

Cassowaries can run at astonishing speeds of up to 31 miles per hour (50 km/h) and leap nearly seven feet (2 meters) into the air! With their heads bowed and their long necks stretched forward, they walked through the dense undergrowth of the jungle. The birds are also comfortable in the water and can swim up to a mile (1.6 km) across the open ocean to reach the island.

Cassowaries can reach impressive sprint speeds of over 30 mph (50 km/h)

Do cassowaries fight to the death?

Cassowaries are unlikely to fight to the death unless captured and have no chance of escape. These birds fight for territorial reasons, so simply retreating is often enough to end a conflict.

What are cassowaries afraid of?

Adult cassowaries have few natural predators, although their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to many reptile and mammalian predators. Humans and our destruction of rainforest habitats are undoubtedly their greatest threat.

Male cassowaries show little fear when defending their eggs or chicks, although they certainly treat females with caution. Female cassowaries are much larger than males, and these dominant females usually get their way!

Young Southern Cassowary

Do cassowaries bite?

Cassowaries can bite, although their bite is not considered dangerous. They also peck and sometimes even headbutt their prey with the large armor on top of their heads.

Cassowary Attack FAQs

Have cassowaries ever killed people?

Cassowaries definitely killed humans. Tragically, a captive specimen killed a 75-year-old man from Florida in 2019. The case shocked the world when it made headlines and further cemented the cassowary’s title as the world’s most dangerous bird.

The only known case involving wild birds is the tragic death of a teenage boy in 1926. Apparently, the young man was kicked in the neck while trying to protect his dog.

How hard can a cassowary kick?

There are no reliable measurements of cassowary kick strength. These birds are massive and have powerful legs that can propel them at speeds in excess of 30 mph (50 km/h), so there’s no shortage of power there. Even more dangerous than the force of the impact are the large, sharp claws these birds have on each toe.

How many people were killed by cassowaries?

There have been very few documented cassowary attacks that have resulted in serious injury or death. Two fatal attacks are known, although there may be many more unrecorded historical cases.