Latest news Cheeky cassowaries harass campers in Australia

At a popular campsite in the Australian state of Queensland, a pair of cheeky cassowaries are causing the authorities concern. The powerful ratites have recently been dangerously approaching tourists at the site in Murray Falls in Girramay National Park, even snatching food from their hands and plates, the Australian broadcaster ABC quoted local game warden Alex Diczbalis as saying.

"We have observed two birds working together and making their rounds of the campsite in search of easy-to-catch food," he said. The behavior is a sign that the flightless Helmeted Cassowaries (Casuarius casuarius) have learned to view humans on the site as a reliable food source. However, this could have devastating consequences.

Claw can kill humans

Although the prehistoric-looking cassowaries rarely attack humans, they can cause potentially fatal injuries, especially to children. Although they are not aggressive, they can panic and fight back if they feel threatened, says environmental scientist Peter Valentine from James Cook University. "They have a very well-developed claw on their feet that acts like a stabbing weapon and is capable of penetrating human bodies from some distance."

Deliberately feeding cassowaries is illegal in Queensland and carries a maximum fine of around 6,400 Australian dollars (3,900 euros). "It's really important that these birds are in the rainforest and eat real rainforest fruit," emphasized Diczbalis. This is because they usually excrete the seeds undamaged and ensure their dispersal. This means that cassowaries play an indispensable role in the rainforest. Fruit is definitely more suitable food for them than sausages from the barbecue, added the gamekeeper.

The helmeted cassowary is the third largest bird in the world after the ostrich and the emu. Adult animals are up to 1.70 meters tall and can weigh up to 70 kilograms. The helmet-like horn on the head, a bright blue head and neck and the long, dagger-like claws are striking.