Are Ostriches Dangerous?

Ostriches are well-known flightless birds that have wings, but due to their enormous size and weight, they can’t fly. They are the fastest birds that can run over 43 miles per hour. While thinking about its characteristics, some people think that are ostriches dangerous?

Yes, they are pretty dangerous and could be fatal if provoked too much. 

Their kick can kill a powerful predator like a lion, so killing a human is not a big game. They can attack humans when they feel threatened or you’re around them during mating season. Their incredible speed, height, muscular legs, and pointed body with the long neck are enough to scare humans. 

Here we discuss ostrich, how dangerous they are, and how to avoid different things that make them furious. 

Are Ostriches Aggressive? 

Ostriches are usually considered calm and have a peaceful nature, but they become highly aggressive if provoked. They do attack humans but not frequently because of their unique nature. If you try to make them aggressive while thinking that you can outrun an ostrich, you are mistaken because ostriches are the fastest birds on earth. 

Things That Make Ostrich Dangerous For Humans

Numerous factors make ostriches dominant over humans by making them dangerous and aggressive. Some of them are; 

• Size And Speed

Ostriches are the largest birds having 7 to 9 feet in height and weighing around 200 to 300 pounds. Ostrich runs at 43 miles per hour and can complete a 26-mile marathon in just 35 minutes. Humans are hardly 6 feet tall and much slower than an ostrich. 

• Ostrich Kick 

Ostriches have strong, flexible legs helping them to achieve an incredible speed in outrunning their predators in the wild. Their 4 inches wide claw delivers some of the deadliest kicks to kill a healthy predator. Other than this, they can use their beaks as a weapon to defend themselves by causing eye injuries or further damage to the face. Ostriches’ legs and beaks are their natural weapon to protect them from mighty predators. 

• Population 

If you provoke a single ostrich in their group, the flock might attack you. They live in small groups of 10 members, so they might attack the others to protect their fellow. Moreover, be aware of ostrich territory because male ostriches are more about their territory and don’t like anyone to be there. Before visiting an ostrich, ensure that he’s calm and will not affect you. 

When Do Ostriches Become Aggressive?

Ostrich does not attack commonly, but there are several cases of ostriches killing humans and their predators. Even if they can’t kill, they could send you to the hospital, giving you some severe blows. Here are some of the conditions in which ostrich become aggressive. 

• Mating Season

During mating season, males are more aggressive than females. Dominant male ostrich performs a specific dance to impress females, and if someone disturbs them during this season, they could attack you until you’re dead. So you won’t bother them again as their behavior is different from usual during the mating season. 

• Nesting

After mating, both males and females sit on the eggs for almost 45 days until they hatch. They don’t want anyone to disturb or harm their eggs during this period. Male sit on the eggs in the daytime while females still stay there to look for their babies. During nesting, Ostrich can also attack their farm owners, detecting them as dangerous. 

• With Babies 

Ostrich does not feed their chicks despite guiding them on how to graze, and the mother spends most of their ti,e while protecting their babies. If you try to go near their babies, the mother might become furious and attack you. 

How Much Dangerous An Ostrich Can Be?

Ostrich could be fatal, though they run away in the wild when they detect danger; if they don’t have space to run or are too aggressive, he will start attacking you. You must stay away from them and look out for their legs and beaks. 

Ostrich legs can deliver a kick of 2,000 pounds per square inch to lay you on your deathbed. Their beaks are also natural weapons as they are pointed and sharp to damage delicate parts of your body, mainly your eyes.

Which One Is More Dangerous Wild Ostrich Or Domestic Ostrich?

Ostriches are dangerous when they are aggressive or humiliated, but while comparing different ostriches, the wild ostriches are more dangerous than domestic ones. Because in captivity, ostriches live with humans and have been friendly with the humans most of the time. They only attack if someone provokes them too much; otherwise, they won’t hurt you. 

But in the wild, ostriches live lonely in their own territory where outsiders are not allowed. If humans get around them, they will become aggressive quickly. 

How Do Ostrich Attack?

Ostriches attack with their legs and beaks. They have 4 inches long feet with armed claws to hurt the opponent deeply. They kick in the forwarding direction because the ostrich can’t move in the backward direction. They might attack with their sharp beaks as their long flexible necks create more momentum during the attack helping the beak to impact badly. 

How To Survive An Ostrich Attack?

It’s better to know different measures through which you can survive an ostrich attack if you face an aggressive ostrich on your farm or in the wild. Some of the best ways to survive an ostrich attack are as follows; 

• Run

If you confront an aggressive ostrich, find a safe place where the ostrich can’t reach. If you are on your farm, then get out of their territory, in the wild, climb a tree or get into your vehicle and run away. 

• Play Dead

If you can’t find a safe place to go, then lay on the ground and pretend to be dead. This technique is helpful in all animals’ attacks as they keep on attacking their predator until it stops moving. So you should do it early to convince the ostrich you are dead. After confirming that you are no more danger to them, they will leave you and go away. 

• Fight

If you can’t find any other way to escape the ostrich attack, get up and fight for your life. Take a stick or anything else that must be lengthy and strong enough to hit an ostrich. Stand at the side of the back of the ostrich because if you attack from the front, the ostrich might kick you. 

Hit the ostrich on the neck and chest; these are their body’s weak spots. After a few hits, they might run away. 

Things To Do To Avoid Ostrich Attack 

Ostriches are highly dangerous, so it’s better to know different things that make them aggressive, which you must not do. It’s good to be careful to avoid any mishap. Some of the things you must not do are as follows, 

• Ostriches are unpredictable; staying at a significant distance is beneficial for those humans and ostriches. Never go in the open spaces, and try to feed them safely on your farm. 
• If you have an ostrich farm, provide them with all the necessities, including their meal. Feed them at a time because a hungry ostrich could attack.
• Don’t roam around them in mating season or around babies because, in mating season, males will attack while females attack during nesting or protecting their babies. 

FAQs

Q1.Can An Ostrich Kill A Human?

Yes, ostriches can kill humans as well as other powerful predators like lions with their legs. 

Q2.Can Ostrich Bite?

Yes, ostriches can bite, but rarely do an ostrich bite someone. But their bite will be incredibly painful. 

Final Words 

Yes, ostriches are pretty dangerous creatures that become aggressive quickly and attack you with their legs and beaks. Like other animals, ostrich is dangerous when threatened or detected in danger; otherwise, they are peaceful. 

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