Florida man killed by his cassowary — ‘the world’s most dangerous bird’

By Zach Halaschak

Published April 14, 2019 7:36pm ET

Add Washington Examiner on Google

Florida man killed by his cassowary — ‘the world’s most dangerous bird’ — In this June 30, 2015 photo, an endangered cassowary roams in the Daintree National Forest, Australia. On Friday, April 12, 2019, a cassowary, a large, flightless bird native to Australia and New Guinea, killed its owner when it attacked him after he fell on his property near Gainesville, Fla. Cassowaries are similar to emus and stand up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and weigh up to 130 pounds (59 kilograms). | (AP Photo/Wilson Ring, File)

A Florida man was killed Friday after he fell in his backyard and was killed by his pet cassowary, a large flightless bird with sharp talons.

Marvin Hajos, 75, called 911 after apparently falling and being attacked by the bird outside his Gainesville, Fla. home. Another person called 911 shortly after to report “a medical emergency involving a large bird.” Cassowaries are emu-like birds that can grow over five feet tall.

Print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Digital subscriber? Click here to login/register your account.

Full midterm coverage.Deeper analysis.

Get unlimited access to Washington Examiner's reporting, expert analysis, and coverage of the midterm elections.

Get Unlimited Access

Cancel anytime.

Tag:

Animals Fish and Wildlife Florida