Cassowary size and lethal claw risk detailed in wildlife analysis

The cassowary, a large flightless bird native to the rainforests of New Guinea and northeast Australia, can reach heights of up to 2 m (about 6.6 ft) and weigh as much as 76 kg (167 lb). Its inner toe bears a dagger‑like claw up to 12 cm long, a feature that contributed to Guinness World Records naming the three cassowary species among the world’s most dangerous birds.

Despite its formidable appearance, human encounters rarely turn fatal. A review of incidents in Queensland, Australia, recorded only a single death in 1926, occurring when the victim attempted to kill the bird. Most interactions involve avoidance or non‑lethal defensive kicks, and the species is primarily valued for its role as a key seed disperser in its ecosystem.