Last Friday (12 April 2019), a 75-year-old man was attacked by (at least) one of the exotic birds that he rears on his property in Florida, USA. Habitat loss and fragmentation is the primary cause of decline. Cassowary Attack: Are Cassowaries Dangerous to Humans? 15-Plus Foods They Love! PA EMT Said COVID Patient Didnt Need to Go to the Hospital. They also attack to defend a food source or to protect themselves and their young. Discover world-changing science. Cassowaries have quite the reputation. The anatomy that makes them so dangerous lies lower down. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. The three-toed feet are thick and powerful, equipped with a lethal dagger-like claw up to 12 cm (4.7 in) on the inner toe. Guinness World Records Kids (opens in a new window), GWR Merchandise Store (opens in a new window), Corporate Social Responsibility activities & fundraising ideas, Community engagement & tourism marketing activities, Do not feed cassowaries or leave out litter that the birds can easily access. Whether some island populations are natural or the result of human trade in young birds is unclear. Structure and function of the cassowarys casque and its implications for cassowary history, biology and evolution. Hypothermia, one leg of the lethal trauma triad along with coagulopathy and acidosis, is the most likely temperature concern after an animal attack due to exposure and hemorrhagic shock. This means an owner must satisfy a number of tests and acquire a special permit from the local authorities to legally keep them. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? [13] This claw is particularly fearsome, since cassowaries sometimes kick humans and other animals with their powerful legs. The San Diego Zoo's website calls cassowaries the world's most dangerous bird with a four-inch, dagger-like claw on each foot. His injuries were so severe that he later died in hospital. [33][34], In February 2011, Cyclone Yasi destroyed a large area of cassowary habitat, endangering 200 of the birds about 10% of the total Australian population. The cassowary has often been labeled "the world's most dangerous bird". The views expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Scientific American. Scientific American is part of Springer Nature, which owns or has commercial relations with thousands of scientific publications (many of them can be found at, The Integrated Maniraptoran, Part 3: Feathers Did Not Evolve in an Aerodynamic Context, Walter Rothschild and the rise and fall of Sclaters cassowary, Getting a major chapter on birds ALL birds into a major book on dinosaurs, The ghosts of extinct birds in modern ecosystems, Controversies from the world of ratite and tinamou evolution (part I), Ratites in trees: the evolution of ostriches and kin, and the repeated evolution of flightlessness (ratite evolution part II). Tardigrades: are these the worlds toughest animals? If you have Tranexamic acid available, use it within the first three hours after injury. She Died the Next Day. Attacks to humans and domestic animals by the southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) in Queensland, Australia. P A. These birds can become very aggressive when they lose their fear of humans. Cassowaries feed mainly on fruit, although all species are truly omnivorous and take a range of other plant foods, including shoots and grass seeds, in addition to fungi, invertebrates, and small vertebrates. Two fatal attacks are known, although there are probably many more undocumented historical cases. Cassowaries are wild animals that should not be thought of as friendly. https://www.alligator.org/article/2019/04/man-killed-by-cassowary-may-have-tried-to-get-the-bird-s-egg. [20], The female does not care for the eggs or the chicks, but rather moves on within her territory to lay eggs in the nests of several other males. Bulger EM, Snyder D, Schoelles K, et al. The last-known victim was 16-year-old hunter Phillip McClean, who tripped while fleeing from a bird in Australia in April 1926. Commercially designed tourniquets are most effective.6 If commercial tourniquets are not available, a blood pressure cuff can be inflated in place of a tourniquet until the blood flow stops. [21], Cassowaries have three-toed feet with sharp claws. If you are near the safety of a building, vehicle, or scaleable fence, you can attempt to retreat. I've also encountered references to the death of a zookeeper named Luke James who was apparently killed by a captive cassowary, but have only read about this online and am not sure as to its reliability (readers: please let me know if have access to any further information on this case). Attacks on horses and cows have also been recorded and C. casuarius is anecdotally credited with having killed small horses, though confirmed attacks have only involved lacerations (Kofron 2003). Darren Naish is a science writer, technical editor and palaeozoologist (affiliated with the University of Southampton, UK). Females lay four eggs, which the male incubates for two months and then cares for the chicks nine more months.2 In the 2019 case, police speculated that the male cassowary was protecting the nest. Claims that jogging incites cassowaries to attack (supposedly because the sound of running feet imitates a foot-stamping rival cassowary) do not withstand scrutiny as walking people have been attacked more frequently than joggers. Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment and cover the bite with a clean bandage. A man who kept a cassowary on his farm fell to the ground and the cassowary clawed him to death. Using this incisor claw, they can stab and disembowel animals and humans with their impressive attack . Every person in the wilderness should have a tourniquet in their first aid kit as well as the ability to jury-rig at least one more. The second toe, the inner one in the medial position, sports a dagger-like claw that may be 125mm (5in) long. [32] Contact with humans encourages cassowaries to take food from picnic tables. [13] The furcula and coracoid are degenerate, and their palatal bones and sphenoid bones touch each other. Cassowaries also occupy an important space in Papuan cosmology. To care for a minor animal bite or claw wound, such as one that only breaks the skin, take these steps: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Thanks for reading Scientific American. [17] Validation of these subspecies has proven difficult due to individual variations, age-related variations, the scarcity of specimens, the stability of specimens (the bright skin of the head and neckthe basis of describing several subspeciesfades in specimens), and the practice of trading live cassowaries for thousands of years, some of which are likely to have escaped or been deliberately introduced to regions away from their origin.[13]. They can inflict severe damage by kicking with their large, sharp claws, so it is fair to say that the Cassowary is a dangerous bird. Serious injuries resulting from cassowary attacks are most likely to occur if the person is. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Given these fatalities, are cassowaries really the most dangerous bird in the world as Guinness World Records has called them? The cut was large and struck the teenagers jugular vein, and he was unable to survive the attack. Kofron, C. P. 2003. [30], The southern cassowary is endangered in Queensland. They are classified as ratites (flightless birds without a keel on their sternum bones) and are native to the tropical forests of New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and West Papua), Aru Islands (Maluku), and northeastern Australia.[3]. They may also peck, barge or head-butt. Diagrams of injuries to Marvin Hajos, 75, show more than a dozen lacerations across his face, neck, back, abdomen, thighs, legs and right arm, including damage to his brachial artery, the major blood vessel of the upper arm. If you're wearing a backpack or bag, move it to your front in order to shield your chest. Territoriality is one of their most important characteristics. [39] The Maring people of Kundagai sacrificed cassowaries (C. bennetti) in certain rituals. All rights reserved. However, cassowaries have also been successfully housed with other animals without incident. A cassowary is a large flightless bird native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Humans and our destruction of their rainforest habitat are certainly their worst threats. If there is any concern that a puncture wound enters the lung, it should be covered with an airtight patch taped on three sides to prevent air trapping. [31] They then studied 140 cases of cassowary mortality, and found that motor-vehicle strikes accounted for 55% of the deaths, and dog attacks produced another 18%. Weighing up to 80kg, a kick with the cassowary's sharp claws would end any fight. Males approach and run with their necks parallel to the ground while making dramatic movements of their heads, which accentuate the frontal neck region. The Cassowary is a very big bird and while it may look essentially harmless, we all know looks can be deceiving. Cassowaries (Tok Pisin: muruk, Indonesian: kasuari) are flightless birds of the genus Casuarius in the order Casuariiformes. Image credit: . Investigators performed the autopsy less than 24 hours after the attack in April on a farm in Alachua, northwest of Gainesville. [28], As for eating the cassowary, it is supposed to be quite tough. Two teenagers attacked a cassowary leading to one being struck in the neck with the cassowaries claw. The first occurred in Australia back in 1926. There are already certain coastal resorts, such as Queensland's Mission Beach and Moresby Range, where cassowaries are becoming a regular sight, wandering past sunbathers and even into local residents' gardens. Several attacks (7) appeared to be a territorial reaction to the presence of humans in an area where the cassowary was feeding while some (32) were clearly defensive the cassowary was either protecting itself or its chicks or eggs. Published 2019. The patient had a pulse. With a limb injury, if the first tourniquet doesnt work, place another one more proximal to the body to prevent compartment syndrome. On April 12, 2019, a 75-year-old male went into the enclosure where two southern cassowaries were kept to collect an egg, when the bird attacked. [citation needed]. Mature cassowaries are placed beside native houses in cribs hardly larger than the birds themselves. Cassowaries do not usually attack for no reason. Published 2019. [29], Cassowaries are native to the humid rainforests of New Guinea, nearby smaller islands, East Nusa Tenggara, the Maluku Islands, and northeastern Australia. Why the cassowary is the world's most dangerous bird By Adam Millward Published 15 April 2019 Last Friday (12 April 2019), a 75-year-old man was attacked by (at least) one of the exotic birds that he rears on his property in Florida, USA. Cassowary bone, claw, fiber, feather and bead; 15 1/8 5 2 in. Its obviously true that cassowaries are dangerous and that they can, and will, hurt people on occasion. [25] Recent study suggests that casque acts as a thermal radiator, offloading heat at high temperatures and restricting heat loss at low temperatures. Contrary to earlier findings, the hollow inside of the casque is spanned with fine fibers. In most cases, however, you will need to face the threat head-on and prepare for the worst. There are three species and the Casuarius genus, and the infamous Southern Cassowary (C. casuarius) is the largest and best known. If the patient has no jugular venous distension, dullness on lung percussion, and no tracheal deviation, it is less likely to be a pneumothorax.8. These birds are large and potentially dangerous animals that can be particularly aggressive when they become comfortable around humans. After one of the teenagers fell to the ground, the cassowary struck his neck with its large claw that can measure up to 5 inches in length. Today, its time to revisit the Tet Zoo archives, and post this (now very old) section of text on cassowaries. Fruits from the laurel, podocarp, palm, wild grape, nightshade, and myrtle families are important items in the diet. Follow Darren Naish on Twitter. The bird kicked the younger boy, who fell and ran away as his older brother struck the bird. If a cassowary does start acting belligerently, back away slowly or take cover behind trees or shrubs. The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), . Cassowaries (from Malay: kasuari)[12] are part of the ratite group, which also includes the emu, rheas, ostriches, and kiwi, as well as the extinct moas and elephant birds. How we can build a clean and renewable future. It can kill with the sharp. PA EMT Said COVID Patient Didnt Need to Go to the NYC Unions Demand Reinstatement, Back Pay for Workers Fired for Refusing President Biden to End COVID-19 Emergencies on May 11. Females lay three to eight large, bright green or pale green-blue eggs in each clutch into a heap of leaf litter prepared by the male. Cassowaries are usually shy and non-aggressive towards humans. It was when McClean was on the ground that he received a fatal blow to the neck. A 1999 study on Cassowary attacks in Northern Australia found that most attacks came from birds seeking a free meal from people. A 911 call was made.4 According to one report, the victim said on the call, Im bleeding to death.5 He was also able to call his daughter who was at his side when the ambulance arrived, and a second call to emergency services.4 This attack wasnt witnessed, and there is no available documentation that the victim explained what happened. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. However, cassowaries do not attack indiscriminately and a 1999 study by Christopher Kofron (1999) of 221 recorded attacks by Casuarius casuarius johnsonii showed that attacks are mostly due to association of humans with food. Feral pigs also are a significant threat to their survival. Though size varies across the three different species (see end of article), cassowaries can stand up to 2 m (6 ft 6 in) tall and weigh as much as 60 kg (132 lb) the equivalent of six mute swans, which are the heftiest birds native to the UK. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The older McClean then tripped and fell to the ground. In his 1958 book Living Birds of the World, ornithologist Ernest Thomas Gilliard wrote: The inner or second of the three toes is fitted with a long, straight, murderous nail which can sever an arm or eviscerate an abdomen with ease. Both the newly disclosed autopsy and an interview with a death investigator for the area medical examiner, Bill Grotjahn, indicated that Hajos died from lacerations and bleeding, not any pre-existing circulatory problems. What's next for abortion rights in America? Do not go to the ground because this is where the most severe injuries occur. Twice over the next 28 minutes, as paramedics applied chest compressions, his pulse didnt register. Kofron CP. This is often the case with the females pursuing the males in ritualistic chasing behaviours that generally terminate in water. It was an accidental death, most likely from injuries sustained from the bird, Grotjahn said. Cassowaries become most aggressive when they are fed by humans. How climate change and forest management make wildfires harder to contain, Disparity in police response: Black Lives Matter protests and Capitol riot. The cassowary has solitary habits and breeds less frequently in zoos than other ratites such as ostrich and emu. Man attacked and killed by 'world's most dangerous bird' The 75-year-old man died from injuries suffered in an attack by a cassowary, a bird with knife-like claws that can weigh more than 100 pounds. Accessed March 21, 2021. Find out about more record-breaking animals in our records showcase. Eastick, Danielle L., et al. Cassowaries are unique and fascinating flightless birds from Australia and Papua New Guinea. [18] A fossil species was reported from Australia, but for reasons of biogeography, this assignment is not certain, and it might belong to the prehistoric Emuarius, which was a genus of cassowary-like primitive emus. [3] They do, however, venture out into palm scrub, grassland, savanna, and swamp forest. Further, a 2006 study found that 75% of cassowary attacks occurred because the animals were being fed by humans. [citation needed], Males are far more tolerant of one another than females, which do not tolerate the presence of other females. As of 2019[update] only Weltvogelpark Walsrode in Germany has all three species of cassowaries in its collection: single-wattled cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus) and Bennett's cassowary (Casuarius bennetti). Cassowaries are solitary and territorial birds that usually do not tolerate trespassers very well. * Bits of children have been discovered beneath the nests of African crowned eagles Stephanoaetus coronatus, but were not totally sure that the eagles did the killing. A cassowary, a giant bird with long claws on each foot, killed its owner after he fell in the backyard of his Gainesville, Florida, home, officials told CNN. Dov Maisel discusses his personal experience in delivering more than 100 electrical generators to those in need across Ukraine. So when you see the claws of a cassowary, theyre adapted for defense. In areas where humans have taken to feeding cassowaries, some cassowaries act boldly and aggressively in expectation of being fed and will run up to or chase people, sometimes kicking if no food is offered. The dog later died from an apparent intestinal rupture. Cassowaries are surprisingly fast, and you have almost no chance of escaping if one of these birds is determined to reach you. It is not clear what happened to the bird. [35], The Mission Beach community in far north Queensland holds an annual Cassowary Festival in September, where funds are raised to map the bird's habitat.[36]. Initial signs of tension pneumothorax include tachycardia, narrowing pulse pressure, diminished or absent breath sounds, severe dyspnea, hypotension and hypoxia. Hajos had a history of heart problems and had just been released from a hospital after treatment for cellulitis, a potentially fatal bacterial skin infection. (Full Diet, Habits and Behavior), Are Eagles Dangerous? [20] They can also be easily spotted in some national parks such as Mellwraith Range National Park, Paluma Range National Park, and Jardine National Park in Australia. In May 2008, an eagle attacked a young boy and mangled his body. How did the GameStop stock spike on Wall Street happen? These birds are potentially dangerous and should be treated with caution and respect, should you encounter one in the wild. The cassowary slit his throat with . Another option is to take a piece of cloth folded to a wide band (4 cm or 1.5 in), using a strong cylinder as a windlass, and tying it in place.7, If the carotid artery or jugular veins are injured, there is little that can be done in an austere environment other than applying a hemostatic dressing if one is available and evacuating the victim as soon as possible.7. It first appeared here (at Tet Zoo ver 2) back in May 2007. Stay calm and focused while slowly backing away from the bird. [23] The latter three are disputed by biologist Andrew Mack, whose personal observation suggests that the casque amplifies deep sounds. Peripheral temperatures read lower than core temperatures by one-to-two degrees, and 20 percent of fevers in the emergency department are initially missed when only peripheral temperatures are utilized.9. The Florida man killed in a bizarre attack earlier this year by one of the world's deadliest birds suffered deep puncture wounds and slashing cuts from the animal's sharp . The dispatcher warned paramedics who were on their way: There are a lot of animals. The paramedics treated Hajos at the scene for 12 minutes before driving to UF Health Shands Hospital. The cassowary attacks by jumping in the air and kicking forward with its powerful legs. [22] Puncture wounds of the thorax can cause significant and emergent problems with the respiratory system. What comes next after Texas school shooting? Whats more dangerous than the impact force is the large sharp claws these birds have on each of their toes. Due to significant blood loss, they started crystalloid resuscitation fluids. Cassowaries also dislike cats. Why dont the Electoral College and popular vote always match up? Cassowaries are usually shy and elusive birds that avoid contact with humans, so people generally have little to fear. #gradschool #PhDlife #Paleontology #dinosaurs #birdsaredinosaurs pic.twitter.com/L6vYwyXmyx. Using the Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, Head injury/Hypothermia (MARCH) mnemonic, we will discuss evaluation and treatment of specific injuries caused by animal attacks including punctures, lacerations, and fractures, that require intervention prior to the arrival of medical transport. [citation needed]. Scientific reports 9.1 (2019): 1966. Its not every day you can say an animals foot became the talk of the Internet. Like their cousins the ostrich and emu, cassowaries cannot fly, but they can jump up to two meters off the ground and can run up to 50 kilometers an hour.1 Their feet have three toes with sharp claws on them, and the claws are 10 cm long.1 (Figure 1) The southern cassowary, weighing up to 85 kg is the second largest bird in the world after the ostrich, and is the largest bird in Australia.2. The exotic birds in question weren't parrots or canaries, however Along with animals such as alligators and wild cats, cassowaries are listed as Class II wildlife in Florida, owing to the risk that they pose. Dominique Mosbergen. The unaffected lung has increased ability to function without the pressure of the heart and blood vessels weighing on it. Place the patient in the recovery position (on their side) with the injured side down. Stay away from eagles nests! Cassowaries will also attack for more noble reasons, like when defending themselves or their chicks. Cassowaries can run at jaw-dropping speeds of up to 31 miles per hour (50km/h) and jump nearly seven feet (2m) into the air! Three species are extant: The most common, the southern cassowary,[4] is the third-tallest and second-heaviest living bird, smaller only than the ostrich and emu. San Diego Zoo website. [13] The taxonomic name C. (b) papuanus also may be in need of revision to Casuarius (bennetti) westermanni. After man calls 911 and dies, experts say he made a fatal mistake near the worlds most dangerous bird. Few documented Cassowary attacks have resulted in serious injury or death. "Cassowary casques act as thermal windows." His Heart Stopped On a Treadmill. They do not have rectrices (tail feathers) or a preen gland. He defends them fiercely against all potential predators, including humans. Close up of the head of a Southern Cassowary. Apr 14, 2019, 09:26 AM EDT. [26], The average lifespan of wild cassowaries is believed to be about 40 to 50 years. But its all too easy to exaggerate how dangerous they are, and we shouldnt forget that an enormous number of interactions occur that dont end in aggression or injury. So while a cassowary claw my look imposing, the animal still prefers to charge first, and kick second. Emergency medical services (EMS) arrived and placed a tourniquet above the brachial artery injury on his right arm. Just how big is this foot and how deadly is it? Although full-grown females are larger and more aggressive than males, both are unpredictable birds. [20] These, along with their wedge-shaped body, are thought to be adaptations to ward off vines, thorns, and saw-edged leaves, allowing them to run quickly through the rainforest. One is that they are a secondary sexual characteristic. These birds are large and have powerful legs that can propel them at speeds of over 30 miles per hour (50km/h), so there is no shortage of power there. No matter how rare a traumatic event causing significant bodily injury, following the MARCH mnemonic, and looking for specific physiologic problems, will save lives. Just how dangerous are they? While he was on the ground, the cassowary kicked him in the neck, opening a 1.25 cm (0.5 in) wound that may have severed his jugular vein. He mostly works on Cretaceous dinosaurs and pterosaurs but has an avid interest in all things tetrapod. The birds have a three-toed foot where the inner toe in the medial position is equipped with a sharp claw that is about 125 mm long. (Reasons They Attack + How to Avoid), Get the latest Birdfacts delivered straight to your inbox. The commonest injuries they cause in humans are puncture wounds, lacerations and bone fractures. Daily Mail. Injury by these claws can be lethal to other animals including dogs and even humans. A backpack or any other large object could save you from serious injury. On April 12, 2019, a 75-year-old male went into the enclosure where two southern cassowaries were kept to collect an egg, when the bird attacked.3 At some point the male fell, and the bird inflicted multiple puncture wounds. Thanks for reading Scientific American. They can be up to 2 meters (6ft) tall and weigh up to 60kg (130lb), with black body feathers and bright blue heads and necks. Eagles can leave you with a 2-inch gash in your skin. In four of the seven previously documented attacks resulting in serious injury, the cassowary jumped on top of the victim.2 This likely occurred in this case based on the number of lacerations and abrasions on the body. Even 'pet' Cassowaries will attack their owners, sometimes with fatal consequences. Border crisis: Whats happening at the US-Mexico border? Courtship and pair-bonding rituals begin with the vibratory sounds broadcast by females. Its well known that cassowaries can be dangerous, and indeed together with ostriches [UPDATE: and chickens] they are the only birds known to have definitely killed humans*. When confronted with a charging cassowary its clearly unwise to crouch or turn ones back on the bird. [40] The Kalam people considered themselves related to cassowaries, and did not classify them as birds, but as kin. He was then whisked to the operating room for further interventions. A sucking chest wound often leads to a more serious type of pneumothorax, a tension pneumothorax, in which the air goes into the lung and gets trapped. Neck trauma can cause swelling that will compress the airway.