Giant bird claws its owner to death

A large, flightless bird killed its owner when it attacked him after he fell, authorities in Florida have said.

The Alachua County Fire Rescue Department said a cassowary killed the man on his property near Gainesville, apparently using its long claws.

The victim, 75-year-old Marvin Hajos, was breeding the birds, which are native to Australia and New Guinea.

Deputy chief Jeff Taylor said: “It looks like it was accidental. My understanding is that the gentleman was in the vicinity of the bird and at some point fell. When he fell, he was attacked.”

Cassowaries are similar to emus and reach up to 6ft in height and weigh up to 60kg.

The San Diego Zoo website calls cassowaries the world’s most dangerous bird, with a 4in daggerlike claw on each foot. “The cassowary can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick,” the website says.

Cassowaries are sought after by US collectors.