Attacks to humans and domestic animals by the southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) in Queensland, Australia

The southern cassowary Casuarius casuarius johnsonii is endemic to the trop ical rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia. This species is Aus tralia's largest bird and holds a reputation for being dangerous. Cassowari es and ostriches are the only birds world-wide that have caused human death s by physical attack. Incidents occur every year in Queensland, most at Mis sion Beach (110 km south of Cairns) and Lake Barrine (39 km south-west of C airns), but previously also at Mount Whitfield in Cairns. The incidence of cassowary attacks in Queensland is reviewed. Data were obtained for 221 cas sowary attacks, of which 150 were against humans, 75% of these by cassowari es fed previously by people. The feeding of cassowaries appears to change t heir natural behaviour, making them bold and aggressive. Victims were chase d or charged in 71% of the incidents, and kicked in 15%. Less frequent acti ons included pushing, pecking, jumping on, butting with the head and snatch ing food. The cassowaries appeared to be expecting or soliciting food from humans (73% of the incidents), defending food (5%), and defending themselve s (15%) or their chicks or eggs (7%). Contrary to popular belief, jogging d id not incite cassowaries to attack. Although cassowaries should not be con sidered dangerous, they can cause serious injuries. Seven attacks against h umans resulted in serious injuries (puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bo ne) and subsequently one death, caused by cassowaries kicking or jumping on victims. In the single fatal attack, the victim was trying to kill the cas sowary. Four of the seven seriously injured victims were crouching or lying on the ground.