You might think Australia’s most dangerous backyard visitors are limited to snakes, spiders or the occasional swooping magpie.
But sometimes, the true threat comes in unexpected feathers.
Recent footage has sparked concern—prompting an urgent message for those living near the rainforest.
Caught on camera: A close call in the suburbs
Security footage from Mission Beach in tropical north Queensland has revealed a dramatic encounter.
A woman and her child were chased into their home by a large cassowary, captured lingering outside their front door.
The birds appeared to be waiting for food, a behaviour experts say is increasingly common as cassowaries associate humans with snacks.
Dr Graham Lauridsen, a local vet, has seen a growing trend of people luring cassowaries for social media photos. He warns that this behaviour is not only dangerous—it is illegal.
‘They’re getting fed more than ever before,’ Dr Lauridsen said.
‘People want a photo with a cassowary for social media, but it doesn’t seem to matter how many times we tell people—some just don’t listen. Maybe it’s time to start fining repeat offenders.’
Why feeding cassowaries is a recipe for disaster
It is not just adult birds that cause concern. The footage also showed a cassowary chick—an especially dangerous situation.
Cassowaries are fiercely protective parents, and if they feel threatened, they may become aggressive.
Each foot has three claws, including a sharp 10-15-centimetre ‘dagger’ on the inner toe capable of causing serious injury.
‘Cassowaries can injure you if they’re stirred up enough, especially if they have chicks around,’ Dr Lauridsen said.
‘They’ll bring their chicks to where the food supply is, and if you get between them, they’ll do you harm.’
A growing problem: More encounters, more injuries
This is not an isolated incident. In April, a man in his 70s was hospitalised after being kicked by a cassowary in another location.
Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has installed signs and launched educational campaigns, but the problem persists.
Ranger Jeff Lewis said, ‘Thankfully the mother and child were able to get inside to safety, but it’s an important reminder not to interfere with wildlife.’
Dr Lauridsen, who has treated nearly 400 cassowaries over 25 years, says the real tragedy is what feeding does to the birds.
‘Almost all cassowaries hit by cars or attacked by dogs in Mission Beach have domestic fruits in their stomachs,’ he said.
‘We say in the field that a fed bird is a dead bird.’
The ripple effect: When one person feeds, everyone’s at risk
You might think, ‘I don’t feed cassowaries, so I’m safe.’ Unfortunately, that is not how it works.
Cassowaries do not distinguish between people—they associate all humans with food.
Even if you are doing the right thing, you could still encounter an aggressive bird due to someone else’s actions.
‘They literally believe humans will provide them with food whenever they’re around, and unfortunately, when they don’t, they’re scary and potentially dangerous,’ Dr Lauridsen said.
Cassowaries: Ancient, essential and endangered
Cassowaries have roamed the rainforests for about 60 million years.
They play a critical role in maintaining rainforest health by spreading seeds from native fruits. But feeding them disrupts their natural behaviour and damages the ecosystem.
Habitat loss, car strikes and dog attacks are all contributing threats—feeding them only makes matters worse.
What should you do if you encounter a cassowary?
- Never feed cassowaries or leave food scraps where they can access them.
- If you see a cassowary, keep your distance—especially if chicks are nearby.
- If a cassowary approaches, back away slowly and place a solid object (like a tree or fence) between you and the bird.
- Report any aggressive or concerning cassowary behaviour to rangers on 1300 130 372.
Video Credit: 7NEWS Australia / YouTube
Love Australia’s wild side?
Australia’s wildlife is fascinating, ancient and sometimes dangerous—but it is also precious. We all have a role to play in protecting it.
Have you ever had a close encounter with a cassowary or other wildlife in your neighbourhood? Do you believe penalties are the answer, or would education be more effective?
Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Also read: Feathered intruder turns Australian town into a Jurassic drama
