A Florida Man, aged 75 years old was killed by a cassowary bird that he was keeping at his property. Marvin Hajos was killed when he was breeding the rare birds which are native to New Guinea and Australia. The birds are considered to be the world's most dangerous owing to their Dagger-like claws which can inflict grievous injury on you when it attacks you!
Marvin Hajos, the old man, aged 75 years old is said to have fallen in the closure where he was keeping the birds while he was breeding them. That is after he was attacked by the bird and he suffered serious injuries that led to his death later when he was transferred to hospital - as reported by WCJB.
Lieutenant Joshua Crews from the Alachua County Sherriff's Office said that "EMS responded to an incident where the caller gave information that an exotic bird had attacked somebody on the property." Hajos, the man who was attacked was transferred to a nearby hospital but he died shortly after, as reported by crews. The Cassowary still remains in the property of Hajos even as the police conduct an investigation into the attack that led to his death - Lieutenant Joshua Crews said.
According to the official, the death of Hajos was a result of an accident because it appeared that he fell and that is when the Cassowary bird attacked him. Meanwhile, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission classify Cassowary bird as a Class II Wildlife. This classification means that it can pose a significant threat to humans. For this, the commission requires that people who handle or keep the birds have a permit.
About Cassowary
It is a large flightless bird that is the second largest after the ostrich but it is closely related to the Emu. It can weigh up to 130 pounds and is the second heaviest bird in the world after her cousin which is the ostrich. It can easily be distinguished by its strange and unique headgear, referred to as a casque. It is also feared for its deadly kick which has earned it the title of the most dangerous bird in the world.
Cassowaries are cautious and defensive creatures and rarely attack unless provoked. The best way to avoid provoking them is just to keep a safe distance from them at all times - Eric Slovak of the National Zoo told Smithsonian. Next time when you see cassowaries just make sure you keep your distance.
