Ostriches are the largest living bird in the world. They are also the fastest two-legged animal on earth capable of running up to 70 km/h. Despite their size and speed these birds are surprisingly gentle and rarely attack humans. However there have been some reports of ostriches killing people.
In 2008 a farm worker in South Africa was killed when an ostrich knocked him off his bicycle. The victim Michael Cato was riding his bike to work when the ostrich ran into him knocking him to the ground. The bird then proceeded to attack Cato kicking him in the head and neck. He died at the scene.
In 2010 another farm worker in South Africa was killed by an ostrich. This victim named Petrus Madubela was herding sheep when the ostrich attacked him. The bird kicked Madubela in the head causing him to fall to the ground. The ostrich then continued to attack kicking Madubela in the head and neck until he was dead.
These are just two examples of people being killed by ostriches. While there are not many reports of such attacks they do happen. It is important to be careful around these birds as they can be dangerous.
How many humans does an ostrich kill on average each year?
One
How many litres of blood does an ostrich have in its body?
Nine
What is the maximum speed an ostrich can run at?
70 kilometres per hour
How long are an ostrich’s legs?
One metre
What is the average lifespan of an ostrich in the wild?
30 to 40 years
What is the average lifespan of an ostrich in captivity?
70 years
How much does an ostrich weigh?
150 to 160 pounds
What is the average height of an ostrich?
2.
1 to 2.
8 metres
What is the largest bird in the world?
The ostrich
What kind of habitat do ostriches live in?
Dry open savannahs woodlands and deserts
Are ostriches friendly?
No they are very aggressive
What is the primary diet of an ostrich?
Plants
Do ostriches lay their eggs in nests?
No they lay their eggs on the ground
How many eggs does an ostrich lay at a time?
10 to 12
How long does it take for an ostrich egg to hatch?
35 to 45 days
