A giant flightless bird killed its owner after attacking him when he fell on the ground.
Marvin Hajos, 75, died in a ‘tragic accident’ while breeding the birds.
The cassowary is known as the world’s deadliest bird due to its long claws, which it uses to slash any potential threat.
‘It looks like it was accidental,’ Deputy chief Jeff Taylor said. ‘My understanding is that the gentleman was in the vicinity of the bird and at some point fell. ‘When he fell, he was attacked.’
‘Initial information indicates that this was a tragic accident for Mr Hajos,’ said Lieutenant Brett Rhodenizer, a sheriff’s office spokesman.
‘The cassowary involved remains secured on private property at this time.’ Cassowaries are similar to emus and reach up to 6ft in height and weigh up to 60kg.
They have black body feathers and bright blue heads and necks, and are native to Australia and New Guinea.
The San Diego Zoo website calls cassowaries the world’s most dangerous bird, with a 4in dagger-like claw on each foot. ‘
The cassowary can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick,’ the website says. ‘Powerful legs help the cassowary run up to 31mph through the dense forest underbrush.’
Cassowaries are not raised for food in the US but are sought after by collectors.
To get the mandatory permit, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires cassowary owners to have ‘substantial experience’ and meet specific cage requirements, spokeswoman Karen Parker said.