2. African Ostrich
Serious Injury & Death
The African Ostrich is the largest bird on earth, and is the sole remaining ostrich species following the tragic extinction of the Arabian Ostrich. Ostriches average 240 pounds, and may reach nearly 7 feet in height.
The bird’s long eyelashes and broad bills may appear comical – but a territorial ostrich is nothing to laugh about. Startled ostriches usually run – reaching speeds of 43 miles per hour – or flatten themselves close to the ground; but when their territory or young are threatened, they may attack humans.
Ostriches have massive leg bones and hoof-like, pointed nails extending several inches. A human target may be disemboweled or battered to death in seconds. In one region of South Africa, up to three attacks occur per year. A number of human deaths have resulted over the years from attacks following intrusions into ostrich breeding grounds.
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