A large flightless bird known as a cassowary attacked its owner and killed him in Gainesville, Florida.
The Alachua County Fire Rescue Department told the Gainsville Sun that the bird killed the man Friday by using its long claws. The victim who was breeding the birds on his property somehow accidentally fell and the bird attacked him while he was down.
According to the San Diego Zoo’s website, the cassowary is considered the worlds most dangerous bird with its four inch, dagger-like claws on each foot.
“The cassowary can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick. Powerful legs help the cassowary run up to 31 miles per hour (50 kph) through the dense forest underbrush,” the website says.
The birds are native to Australia and New Guinea and very sought after in the U.S. by collectors.
A spokesperson for The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the agency requires that owners of the bird have “substantial experience” and meet very specific cage requirements.
The identity of the victim was not immediately released.
