Emus are large, flightless birds that are found in Australia. They stand up to 6 feet tall and can weigh over 100 pounds. Emus are members of the ratite family, which also includes ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, and kiwis. So how friendly are these giant birds towards humans?
Emu Behavior
In the wild, emus tend to avoid humans and are generally wary of human presence. They have good eyesight and hearing which helps them detect potential threats from a distance. Emus will usually flee when approached by humans, though males may stay behind briefly to defend their territory. Their powerful legs allow them to run at speeds up to 30 mph to escape danger.
During mating season, male emus can become more aggressive as they defend their mating rights. They may make booming sounds, ruffle their feathers, and even chase or peck at humans who get too close during this period. Females may also hiss and kick to protect their nests and young chicks.
Overall though, wild emus do not actively attack or chase humans without provocation. Their natural instinct is to run away rather than confront a potential predator. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds, insects and vegetation, so they are not carnivorous hunters looking for human prey.
Interactions with Humans
Emus raised in captivity on farms or in zoos can become more accustomed to being around humans. If properly socialized from a young age, emus can become quite docile and friendly towards their owners and caretakers.
Hand raised emus may follow their owners around like puppies and enjoy interaction and petting. With enough positive contact, they may even allow strangers to approach and touch them without becoming aggressive or distressed.
However, their large size, sharp claws and powerful legs mean they still need to be treated with caution and respect. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle them and provoke a defensive kick. Owners still need to be alert to an emu’s body language indicating fear or aggression.
Dangers to Humans
Although emu attacks are rare, their large size and ability to inflict injury means proper precautions should be taken when interacting with them.
A stressed or frightened emu may kick or charge at a person, especially during breeding season when males are defending territory. Their long, sharp toenails can easily cause lacerations, even when wearing protective clothing.
Emus have also been known to bite if cornered or threatened. Their beaks can deliver a nasty nip, capable of bruising skin and breaking bones in extreme cases.
People should avoid getting too close to wild emus or separating them from their young. Never corner or chase emus, as this can provoke an aggressive defense response.
Even tame emus require handling with care, as their natural instincts can override their training. Always move slowly and confidently around them while being alert for signs of distress or agitation.
Positive Interactions
Despite needing to be treated with caution, emus can make great pets when properly trained. Many emu owners describe them as inquisitive, personable and delightful to be around.
Emus enjoy exploring their environment, playing with toys and interacting with their owners. Some behaviors indicating their friendliness include:
- Coming when called to feed or play
- Making bumbling vocalizations to greet their owner
- Follow their owner around the yard or house
- Allow petting and scratching around their neck
- Sleeping near their owner for security and companionship
Well-socialized emus that grow up around people are unlikely to become aggressive. They can become integrated into the family and provide many years of enjoyment as uncommon but personable pets.
Myths and Misconceptions
There are some common myths about emu behavior that give them an unfair reputation:
- Myth: Emus are aggressive and attack humans entering their territory.
- Fact: Wild emus are shy and retreat from humans unless defending eggs or chicks.
- Myth: Emus are predators that hunt small animals and livestock.
- Fact: Emus are not carnivorous and only forage for plants and insects.
- Myth: All male emus become dangerous and violent during mating season.
- Fact: Only some males exhibit aggressive behaviors while breeding. Most remain passive if left undisturbed.
Understanding emu behavior helps dispel erroneous beliefs about their temperament. When treated well and trained properly, emus can be incredibly affectionate and docile companions.
Bonding with Emus
Building a friendship with an emu requires time, patience and the proper approach:
- Start bonding when the emu is young for best socialization.
- Let the emu adjust to your presence before initiating contact.
- Associate yourself with food to create a positive impression.
- Talk softly and move slowly to avoid startling the emu.
- Gently stroke the emu’s neck once it relaxes in your presence.
- Gradually build trust through daily feeding and interaction.
- Train basic commands like “come” and “stay” using positive reinforcement.
- Provide outdoor space for exercise but supervised to prevent escape.
With regular gentle handling and care, emus usually respond well and become comfortable with their human caretakers. Over time, an emu can develop strong social bonds and enjoy human companionship.
Safety Tips
When interacting with emus, some important safety precautions include:
- Avoid approaching wild emus or separating them from offspring.
- Read an emu’s body language to watch for signs of distress or aggression like raised feathers, hissing, foot stomping, etc.
- Always move slowly and speak in a calm, steady voice.
- Do not corner, crowd or chase after an emu.
- Give emus space and do not make sudden lunging motions or loud noises.
- Be alert around mating pairs defending their territory.
- Wear protective clothing like thick jeans, gloves and eye protection when handling.
- Have an escape route planned if an emu becomes aggressive.
- Ensure enclosure fencing is high and secure to prevent escapes.
Exercising caution and respecting emu behavior is key to safe interaction. With proper training and socialization, emus can make relatively safe and personable pets.
Conclusion
While wild emus generally avoid humans, captive bred emus can become quite friendly with patience and dedication. Their reputation as dangerous or aggressive is exaggerated and mostly derived from rare defensive attacks. With proper handling, socialization and care, emus exhibit a gentle inquisitive nature making them rewarding companions for the right owners willing to understand their needs.
