Ostriches can be found in the wild, on safari, or on ostrich farms. Wherever you find them, treat these animals with extreme care. Although they do not prey on humans, these birds are known to injure and kill humans if disturbed. With very fast foot movements, this animal can launch a deadly blow with enough leg strength, especially with deadly sharp claws on its feet. The best thing you can do is avoid it. Otherwise, ducking while taking cover and hiding may be the best course of action. As a last resort, you may have to put up a fight.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Avoiding the Ostrich Rush
Step 1. Run to the nearest shelter
The ostrich's running speed can reach 70 km in open areas. If there's thick vegetation or trees that you can reach before the ostrich approaches, run for it. Prevent the ostrich from reaching its maximum speed to reduce its chances of overtaking you.
- If there's a shelter that's safer than trees (like a car or a man-made building), go there. An ostrich leg kick can hit you with a force of 35 kg/cm2, enough to kill a human.
- If you think it won't work, DO NOT try to do it. The ostrich is very fast and will attack with a back kick once it catches up with you.
Step 2. Hide
Believe that although ostrich eats meat, it prefers insects, small reptiles and rodents. Know that disturbed ostrich will chase humans primarily because they feel threatened, not because they want to eat them. If the opportunity arises, duck behind a cover that hides you from his sight, rather than risk being chased. The ostrich will lose interest once it thinks you're gone.
Step 3. Climb to a high place
Remember that ostrich cannot fly. If there is no hiding place at ground level, climb a tree, fence, or other building. Wait for the ostrich to lose interest and leave before descending.
Adult ostrich is usually 2 to 3 meters high. Even though they don't have teeth, ostrich can pierce with their beaks and potentially upset your balance. Climb higher beyond his reach
Step 4. Enter the thorn bush
Better to be pierced by a thorn than to be torn apart by the sharp claws of an ostrich. If there's no place to hide anymore, go inside the thorn bush. Wait for the ostrich to leave before exiting.
The ostrich will refrain from sticking its head out as it chases you to protect its large eyes
Step 5. Lie down on the ground
Resist the urge to run to shelter or climb to high ground if it's too far. Instead, play death as a last resort. Lie down with your stomach on the ground. Cover the back of your head with your hands to protect your skull. Brace yourself if the ostrich is playing with your body. Wait for the bird to tire and leave before getting back up. Be careful, this method can still cause injury.
- The risk of injury from the power of the ostrich kick is dramatically reduced when you lie down. The ostrich kicks forward, then downwards, with most of its power channeled in a forward motion.
- The claws are still dangerous. Lie on your stomach to protect your organs as the ostrich may scratch you with its claws.
- The ostrich will probably stand or even sit on top of you before getting tired. An adult ostrich weighs between 90 and 159 kilograms.
Method 2 of 3: Repelling the Ostrich Attack
Step 1. Use a long gun
If you are forced to fight an ostrich, avoid close combat. Stay out of his feet as much as possible. Use a long object that can be used as a weapon, such as a pole, rake, broom, or tree branch.
If you have a gun and need to use it, aim for the main part of the ostrich's body to make sure you hit the target. Although this bird will attack with its legs and/or beak, its legs and neck are so thin that it easily escapes
Step 2. Stay next to the ostrich
You have the greatest risk if you are face to face. Remember that the ostrich can only kick forward. As much as possible stay behind or beside this bird to avoid its powerful weapon.
Step 3. Aim for the neck
Remember that this is the weakest part of the ostrich's body. Hit him where he is most vulnerable and with minimal protection to defeat him quickly. If not, aim for the chest. Center your attack between the two options if you get the chance. Keep hitting until the ostrich gives up and runs away.
Step 4. Break the wings
If the ostrich won't give up even if you strike its neck, aim for its wings when you get the chance. Be aware that the ostrich uses its wings not to fly, but to make it easier for it to change direction while running, much like the rudder of a ship. Breaking its wings in general will increase your chances of zigzagging escaping if forced to retreat.
Step 5. Aim for the legs
If you are behind or beside the ostrich and can easily strike one of its legs, do so. Know that the ostrich's center of gravity depends entirely on its thin legs. If you get a chance, attack one or both of them to mess up their balance, speed, and attack power.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Meetings
Step 1. Be aware of your surroundings
Wherever you are in what might be an ostrich habitat, study the landscape. Avoid open areas. Stay close to the shelter and pay attention to which area is the safest place to retreat to in case you encounter an ostrich that attacks you.
Step 2. Avoid close encounters
Keep your distance if you encounter an ostrich in the wild. Remember that a distance of less than 100 meters is too close. If the ostrich moves toward you, back off, even if the bird seems calm. Never corner the ostrich as this will trigger it to "fight" instead of "flee."
While pictures of people cuddling, kissing, and even riding an ostrich might lead you to believe it's safe to approach them, note that they feature a tame ostrich from a farm. Even then these birds should be treated with the same care and respect as wild birds to avoid injury
Step 3. Watch out for the ostrich during egg-laying season
Keep in mind that these birds are the most easily disturbed this season, especially the males, who are tasked with protecting the eggs of the female birds. Since ostriches tend to roam in pairs or alone at other times, identify the spawning season with a flock of 5 to 50 ostrich at the same time.
- Identify a male ostrich by its black plumage, white wingtip and tail crest, and the red blotches that appear on the front of its feet.
- Identify a female ostrich by her brown plumage and wingtips and gray crest.
