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

Ostriches are the largest and fastest birds on earth. Both extant ostrich species are endemic to the African continent, although you can see these incredible flightless birds in zoos, farms and other captive settings around the globe.

Ostriches can use their powerful legs to travel long distances and achieve impressive speeds, but they are also used to deliver powerful kicks at their enemies. So are ostriches dangerous? Can they kill?

In some cases, ostriches can be very dangerous. They generally avoid humans, but even wild ostriches will defend themselves when threatened. Ostriches are at their most dangerous during breeding season, when males fight each other for dominance. Breeding male ostriches are also quick to defend their nests from potential threats, including humans.

There are very few records of human deaths from ostrich attacks. People have lived with these birds on the land for thousands of years, and hunting and gathering eggs may have resulted in countless close encounters. More recently, humans have begun commercial breeding of these birds in Africa, Australia, and even the United States, making the potential for dangerous strikes greatly increased.

Most people have nothing to fear from ostriches. Untrained persons should never approach these birds on foot, and those who work with ostriches should always be fully prepared to deal with potentially dangerous animals.

This article reveals the truth about ostrich attacks. Read on to learn how dangerous these flightless birds are and what to do if you find yourself under attack.

Like most other birds, ostriches are usually most aggressive during breeding season

How do ostriches protect themselves?

Ostriches rely on powerful legs and keen eyesight for defense. These wary birds typically flee at high speed to avoid predators and humans. Ostriches may not fly, but they can run at over 40 mph (64 km/h)!

When escape is impossible, ostriches use their powerful legs and large claws as weapons. Ostriches face their opponent, kicking forward and downward with one leg at a time. They cannot kick back like horses. Front kicks bring their huge claws into play, and those sharp, 4-inch (10 cm) claws can tear through skin and cause serious injury.

The fight scene with the ostrich is breathtaking and a clear reminder of the power of those kicks!

Birds can do little to defend themselves while fighting. They just stand head-to-toe, hitting each other with vicious blows. Weaker ostriches simply need to turn and run away when fed up, and give way to more dominant individuals.

Close up the ostrich’s powerful legs and claws – the weapon of choice!

Is it dangerous to be bitten by an ostrich?

Ostriches bite in self-defense, although their bite is not considered dangerous. Large paws and strong legs pose a greater risk. Domesticated ostriches peck people a lot, and they are very gentle. An ostrich bite can hurt if the ostrich pecks hard at you.

When do ostriches become aggressive?

Ostriches are most likely to be aggressive during breeding season. At this time, the birds will compete with other male ostriches for territory and for access to females. Aggression intensifies during the breeding season, when male ostriches actively defend their nests and chicks from animals and humans.

A pair of male ostriches fight for territory during breeding season in the grasslands of the Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa

Are ostriches friendly to humans?

Ostriches become tame and accustomed when people feed them. In this case, they will often beg for food and peck at people. Ostriches are domesticated and farmed in many parts of the world and can be managed well under these conditions. These birds can also become very aggressive towards humans at times, so it’s best to be cautious around them.

Are ostriches aggressive towards humans?

Ostriches do not usually attack humans. They can become dangerous if threatened, cornered, or if you approach their nest. Some ostriches will even attack large vehicles such as cars and tractors.

An ostrich attack can be very dangerous. Birds can kick forward and downward, which can cause blunt trauma or even tearing with sharp claws.

Ostriches can also ram you with their breastbone, knocking you to the ground. The bird will keep kicking when you’re down.

Ostriches attack and chase humans in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Are ostriches aggressive towards other birds?

Male ostriches can be aggressive towards other males when securing a breeding partner. Female ostriches can also be aggressive towards other ostriches, especially at the start of the breeding season.

Ostriches are less likely to show aggression towards other birds, although they will protect their eggs and young from other species that threaten their chicks or eggs.

Egyptian Vulture (Neopterosaur) is such a bird. These remarkable vultures throw rocks at ostrich eggs to break up the thick shells and access the protein-rich contents.

Wu Ying (aggressive puffer fish) is another bird that ostriches need to worry about. These large African raptors have been known to prey on ostrich chicks.

Egyptian vulture tries to smash ostrich eggs with stones

Signs an ostrich is about to attack

Ostriches can appear to attack out of the blue, or they can make sounds to warn you. An aggressive ostrich will approach and may make a low buzzing sound while inflating its neck.

During the breeding season, male ostriches develop bright pink legs and beaks. This is when they are most aggressive. Male and female ostriches can be distinguished by their black and white (not brown) plumage.

Male ostrich in breeding season

what to do if an ostrich chases you

The average person is unlikely to find themselves on the receiving end of an ostrich attack. It is important to always keep escape routes and plans in mind if you are dealing with these animals. If you find yourself being attacked by an angry ostrich, try to stay calm and think logically.

Here are some ways you can try to evade an attack:

• ask for help
• If you are in a fence or enclosure, try to leave the area immediately
• Climb a tree or escape into dense vegetation or cover
• If you are already close to the nest, please leave the area
• Find a long staff or similar weapon to defend yourself.trying to hit the bird’s neck
• Pick up a large branch or other object and hold it above your head. Making yourself look bigger is an effective way to scare a bird.
• The ostrich kicks forward, so stay close to the bird to avoid getting hit
• If you become overwhelmed, go down and protect your head, face, neck and chest as much as possible

Prevention is far better than defense when dealing with dangerous animals, so avoid ostriches whenever possible, especially during breeding season. Stay in your car on a wildlife sanctuary and never approach nesting ostriches or breeding males with bright pink legs.

Closeup shot of a pair of ostriches fighting, kicking hard

Do ostriches fight to the death?

Ostriches don’t usually fight to the death, although fights can last several minutes, with each bird delivering multiple vicious blows. The ostrich faces each other as it kicks forward and downward, skimming the opponent’s chest and thighs. However, a defeated ostrich simply turns and retreats to avoid further injury, so there is little chance of fighting to the death if the bird has room to escape.

What are ostriches most afraid of?

Ostriches have many predators, including humans. The following African predators are known to hunt adult ostriches:

• lion club
• leopard
• cheetah
• hyena
• african wild dog
• Caracal

Ostrich chicks are vulnerable to many small predators, such as jackals and even large birds of prey.

A flock of ostriches runs across the desert in Tanzania

common problem

Did an ostrich kill a lion?

It is definitely possible that a lion was killed by an ostrich, as the two species have coexisted for millions of years. Injuries such as a damaged jaw or a broken foot could kill a lion if it means the cat can’t hunt or keep up with its pride. However, this will be a very rare event.

Has an ostrich ever killed a human?

Ostriches definitely killed humans. There were even reports of a Washington man being killed by an ostrich in his hometown. However, death records are rare.

How hard can an ostrich kick?

It’s hard to say how powerful an adult ostrich’s kick is. Reports range from approximately 500 to 2000 pounds per square inch (psi) – comparable to the force of a horse’s kick.

How many people were killed by ostriches?

Globally, there are few reliable records of deaths from ostriches. Fortunately, the annual death toll is likely to be very low.