A large, flightless bird attacked and killed its owner in Florida when the man fell on his property, according to authorities. The bird, a cassowary, is native to Australia and New Guinea, has long powerful claws, and can stand up to six feet tall. “My understanding is that the gentleman was in the vicinity of the bird and at some point fell. When he fell, he was attacked,” Deputy Chief Jeff Taylor told The Gainesville Sun. “The cassowary can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick,” according to the San Diego Zoo. “Powerful legs help the cassowary run up to 31 miles per hour... through the dense forest underbrush.” This, in combination with four-inch dagger-like claws on each foot, are what makes the cassowary known as the world’s most dangerous bird, according to the zoo. The man, who has not been identified, was breeding the birds, which are sought after by collectors. State wildlife officials have not said what happened to the bird.
