Cassowaries are large, flightless birds that live in the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia and on New Guinea and nearby islands. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 130 pounds. Cassowaries are generally shy, reclusive birds that prefer to avoid humans. However, if threatened or provoked, they can inflict serious injuries with their powerful legs and sharp claws. So what should you do if you find yourself face-to-face with a cassowary in the wild? Here are some tips.
Stay calm and back away slowly
First and foremost, try to stay calm. Do not make sudden movements or loud noises which could startle or provoke the cassowary. Slowly and calmly back away, putting some distance between you and the bird. Do not turn your back or run, as this could trigger a chase response. Back away slowly while keeping the cassowary in view.
Watch for aggressive signals
Cassowaries have several behaviors that signal aggression or distress. These include:
- Deep booming vocalizations
- Head lowered with neck outstretched
- Erect body feathers
- Opening the mouth and exposing the bright blue skin on the neck
- Raising the inner toe on each foot (this displays the cassowary’s long, dagger-like claws)
If you observe these signals, it means the cassowary feels threatened. Increase the distance between you and the bird immediately. Do not block its path or make aggressive gestures.
Watch for kicks
Cassowaries are equipped with deadly claws on their feet, which they will use to kick if they feel the need to defend themselves. Cassowaries can kick in forwards, backwards and sideways directions with immense force. Their dagger-like claws can slice open skin, break bones, and even damage vehicles. Be alert to the cassowary’s movements and be prepared to move quickly out of kicking range if necessary. Give the cassowary plenty of space.
Do not run
It can be tempting to panic and run if you feel threatened by a cassowary. However, running away is likely to provoke a chase response from the bird. Cassowaries can run up to 31 miles per hour through dense forest, so you will not be able to outrun one. Stay calm, move slowly, and do not turn your back or flee suddenly.
Seek shelter
If possible, calmly move behind a solid object like a tree trunk or boulder. This can shield you from a cassowary’s kicks or charges. If no shelter is available, crouch low with arms protecting your head and neck. This makes you less threatening and protects vulnerable areas from kicks.
Do not provoke or threaten
Never make sudden aggressive movements like waving arms or yelling. Do not push, shove or swing at the cassowary. Also avoid getting between a cassowary and its chicks or food source. Female cassowaries are fiercely protective and will attack viciously if they feel their chicks are in danger. Avoid getting between a cassowary and the direction it seems intent on moving – let it continue unimpeded.
How to avoid encounters
The best way to avoid problematic encounters with cassowaries is to steer clear of areas where they are known to live and be cautious entering their habitat. Here are some tips:
Be aware of territory
Cassowaries are territorial and require large home ranges of several square kilometers of habitat. They spend most of their time alone or with chicks, only seeking out others briefly for mating. Learn where cassowaries are known to live and avoid entering those areas unnecessarily. Pay attention to warning signs at trailheads.
Do not feed
It is illegal to feed cassowaries. Feeding cassowaries can make them associate humans with food and lose their natural wariness. This results in problematic birds that approach cars, picnic areas and backyards looking for handouts. Never intentionally leave food for cassowaries.
Cover food sources
Be sure to cover or secure any food sources like lunch boxes, loose fruit, or open trash cans. The smell of food could attract curious cassowaries near populated areas. Properly contain all food and garbage.
Keep dogs leashed
Dogs may provoke a cassowary encounter. Cassowaries see dogs as predators and will attack or kick in self-defense. Always keep dogs on a short leash and leave them at home when hiking in cassowary habitats. Avoid areas where cassowaries are known if you have no choice but to bring a dog.
Be extra cautious with chicks
Female cassowaries are fiercely protective of chicks and may attack to defend them. Leave immediately if you see a cassowary with chicks. Give them an extremely wide berth. Never get between a cassowary and its chicks.
What to do if you are attacked
Cassowary attacks are rare, but they do occasionally happen, usually when the bird has been provoked or feels threatened. If a cassowary kicks or charges you, here is what you should do:
Protect yourself
Quickly crouch low, shielding your head and neck with arms and hands. If you have a backpack or coat, turn it outward to absorb blows. Try to stay on your feet – falling leaves you vulnerable. Back away from the attacking cassowary while facing it and protecting yourself.
Seek shelter
Get behind the first solid object you can find – a tree, boulder, car, or building. This shields you from the cassowary’s dangerous kicks. If no shelter is available, curl into a ball on the ground with hands protecting neck until the attack ends.
Do not run
Running away will likely provoke the cassowary to give chase. They can sprint up to 31 mph, easily outpacing any human. You will not be able to outrun an attacking cassowary.
Do not fight back
Never hit or punch at an attacking cassowary. They weigh over 100 pounds and pack incredibly dangerous kicks. Fighting back will only prolong the attack and increase your injuries. Remain defensive and wait for the attack to end.
Make noise
Yell loudly or make deep, booming noises. Cassowaries make deep booms to signal their distress. Mimicking this sound sometimes causes them to disengage and retreat. Making yourself sound big and loud may end the attack.
Watch for other cassowaries
Cassowaries are solitary birds except when mating or rearing chicks. But if one attacks, others may join. Be prepared to fend off additional attacking cassowaries by seeking quick shelter or playing dead.
How to treat cassowary attack injuries
Cassowary claws inflict deep puncture wounds and tears that often require medical attention. Here is how to care for cassowary attack injuries:
Stop the bleeding
Wounds caused by cassowary claws often bleed profusely. Apply direct pressure using clothing or bandages to slow or stop bleeding. Apply a tourniquet only if bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled with direct pressure.
Clean and dress wounds
Carefully clean dirt, debris, and contamination from wounds using clean water. Remove any foreign material like grass or twigs embedded in the injury. Apply antibiotic ointment and sterile bandages or cloth to protect the wounds.
Immobilize injuries
Cassowary kicks can fracture bones and dislocate joints. Immobilize injured limbs using a splint or sling to prevent further damage before seeking medical care.
Watch for infection
Cassowary claws contain bacteria that can cause infection. Watch wounds closely for increasing redness, swelling, oozing, red streaking, increased pain or fever as these are signs of infection. Promptly seek medical care if infection is suspected.
Get medical help
Serious puncture wounds, fractures, dislocations, deep cuts, or wounds showing signs of infection require medical attention. Seek care at the nearest hospital or urgent clinic for treatment, wound cleaning, stitches, x-rays, and antibiotics.
Take it easy
Recovery from cassowary attack injuries takes time. Avoid strenuous activity and follow doctor’s orders for changing dressings, taking antibiotics, and immobilizing limbs. Take medication for pain control as needed. Watch for signs of complications like rising fevers or increased swelling and promptly seek care.
How to report a cassowary attack
All cassowary attacks should be reported both for public safety reasons and to help wildlife officials monitor problematic birds. Here is how to properly report a cassowary encounter:
Seek medical care first
Immediately get medical attention after a cassowary attack. Serious wounds require prompt medical treatment.
Call emergency services
In Australia, call 000 for police, ambulance or fire response. If the attack resulted in serious injury or death, emergency services must be notified.
Contact wildlife authorities
In Queensland, call the Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372 to report cassowary attacks. In New Guinea, notify the Department of Environment and Conservation.
File a report
A formal incident report should be filed including date, time, exact location, bird description, injuries incurred and circumstances leading to the attack. Photos of injuries or damage can help document the incident.
Identify the bird
Note any unique identifying features like tags or colored leg bands which can help wildlife officials locate and track the responsible cassowary. Photos of the bird can assist in identification.
Follow up on corrective action
Depending on circumstances like prior aggression and attack history, problematic cassowaries may need to be relocated or even euthanized. Follow up to ensure appropriate action is taken to prevent repeat attacks.
Conclusion
Cassowaries are formidable, flightless giants weighing over 100 pounds and equipped with dagger-like claws capable of inflicting life-threatening injuries. But they are shy, solitary birds that normally avoid humans. Most cassowary attacks happen when humans startle or provoke them. By being aware of cassowary warning signals, avoiding their territory, and backing away slowly, it is usually possible to retreat safely from an encounter. But if attacked, protect vital areas, seek quick shelter, and do not run or fight back. Promptly tend wounds, watch for infection and get medical care for serious injuries. Report all cassowary attacks both for public safety and to assist wildlife officials in monitoring aggressive birds. With proper precautions, it is possible to safely coexist with these remarkable rainforest dinosaurs.
| Cassowary Warning Signals | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Deep booming vocalizations | Slowly increase distance from the bird |
| Lowered head, outstretched neck | Avoid sudden movements, give the bird space |
| Erect body feathers | Calmly back away while facing the cassowary |
| Exposing blue neck skin | Do not block or crowd the cassowary’s path |
| Raising inner toe / displaying claw | Do not make aggressive gestures, swing arms, yell |
| How to Avoid Cassowary Encounters | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Be aware of territory | Know where cassowaries live, avoid those areas |
| Do not feed cassowaries | Feeding makes them lose fear of humans |
| Cover food sources | Uncovered food can attract problematic birds |
| Keep dogs leashed | Dogs provoke defensive attacks |
| Give chicks wide berth | Mothers fiercely protect chicks and will attack |
