Ostrich

Ostriches are flightless birds found only in open countries in Africa. Adult males of these colossal birds, which can reach heights of 2.75 meters (approximately 9 feet), with over half of that height being made up of the neck, can weigh more than 150 kilograms (330 pounds). Depending on the season, ostriches can be seen alone, in couples, in small flocks, in large groups, or in any combination of these. The ostrich relies on its powerful legs, which are unusually two-toed with the primary toe grown almost as a hoof, to flee from its predators, who are primarily humans and larger beasts. An ostrich under fear can run at a pace of 72.5 kilometers per hour (45 miles per hour). When confronted, it can kick out with such force that lions and other huge predators can be killed. Kicking and stabbing deaths are uncommon; most assaults happen when people provoke the birds.

The American artist Johnny Cash, who had an exotic animal park including ostriches on his property, was involved in one of the most intriguing ostrich attack episodes. In 1981, Cash frequently ran with a male hostile ostrich while out on walks in the woods. When Cash once flung a 6-foot stick at the bird, the animal evaded the blow and stabbed at Cash with its foot. The strike caught Cash in the stomach, and according to Cash, if it weren't for a sturdy belt buckle, the ostrich's toe claw would have severed his gut and killed him.