Marvin Hajos, 75, managed to call emergency officials to his home in Gainesville following the attack. He later died in hospital from his injuries, according to Lt. Joshua Crews of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
The death has been called an “accident.” According to reports, the man fell, and the cassowary “attacked him.”
Hajos was a breeder of the rare bird, which is native to Australia and New Guinea.
The bird remains on Hajos’ property as authorities look into the attack/
The cassowary is a “large, flightless bird most closely related to the emu,” according to the San Diego Zoo.
Cassowaries can grow more than 1.5 meters tall and jump up to 2 meters high.
The San Diego Zoo says that they’re skilled swimmers, which helps them fend off threats.
Females are known to weigh more than 160 pounds.
The cassowary is often called the “world’s most dangerous bird,” due to its powerful legs and sharp claws.
According to the San Diego Zoo, “the cassowary can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick.”