Man in his 70s hospitalised following cassowary attack in backyard

A man in his 70s has been hospitalised after being attacked in his own backyard by one of Australia’s most fearsome birds.

A coastal town’s residents have been warned to be “cass-o-wary” after an elderly man was attacked in his own backyard.

A Cardwell man in his 70s was transported to Tully Hospital in a stable condition on Friday after being attacked by an adult cassowary, a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed.

The man was reportedly kicked in the leg, resulting in a 5-7cm deep wound to his upper thigh, according to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).

An elderly Cardwell man was attacked by an adult cassowary on Friday in his own backyard. Picture: Evan Morgan

“According to the report, the man was in his backyard with his back to the bird when the cassowary approached him and kicked him in the back of the leg,” a department statement read.

The man reported the incident to the department, which sent wildlife rangers to conduct a site visit on Monday and assess the large flightless bird’s behaviour.

“The behaviour of the cassowary is consistent of a cassowary that has become accustomed to being fed,” the department said.

“It’s a good reminder to the public not to be complacent when they are in close proximity to these animals.”

The attack comes days after a commercial fisherman shared his eerie encounter with an adult cassowary and at least three chicks on TikTok.

A commercial fisherman has shared his roadside encounter with a family of cassowaries in South Johnstone, Queensland. Picture: TikTok

In the video, the adult bird appears to be circling the man’s parked vehicle while inspecting the two men sitting inside.

The close encounter occurred in South Johnstone, a rural town on Queensland’s Cassowary Coast, about one hour from where the attack took place in Cardwell.

The adult cassowary appeared to be inspecting the man’s parked car. Picture: TikTok

The public has been urged to slow down when driving in cassowary territory and never to stop their vehicles to look at cassowaries on the road, unlike the TikTokkers.

The department reminded people who live in the wet tropics that cassowaries were dangerous and could act unpredictably.

“Cassowaries should never be fed or given access to food,” the department added.

“This can cause them to become habituated and begin to approach people expecting food. “Cassowaries have been known to become aggressive when approaching people for food but not receiving any.”

People should never to approach cassowary chicks, as males will defend them and possibly attack. Picture: iStock

The public is reminded to never approach cassowaries, especially chicks, as males will defend them.

Cassowary sightings in North Queensland should be reported to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service by calling 1300 130 372.

Originally published as Man in his 70s hospitalised following cassowary attack in backyard