Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Dodge an attacking ostrich
• Method 2 of 3: Defending against an ostrich
• Method 3 of 3: Avoid encounters

Ostriches can be found in the wild, on safaris or at an ostrich farm. But no matter where you come across them, you should treat them with the utmost caution. While they don't view humans as prey, they are known to be able to injure and kill when provoked. Ostriches can run very fast and deliver huge, deadly kicks with their feet - not to mention their deadly sharp claws. The best thing you can do is stay away from these animals. If that doesn't work, take cover and try to hide. As a last resort, you may have to defend yourself.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Dodge an attacking ostrich

1. Run to a nearby shelter. Ostriches reach speeds of 70 km per hour on flat terrain. If there are dense vegetation or forests close enough to reach before the ostrich gets to you, run there. Prevent the ostrich from reaching its maximum speed so that there is less chance of being overtaken.
   • If there is a firmer shelter than vegetation (such as a car or building), go for it. An ostrich kick can hit you with an effect of three million Pascal, enough to kill a human.
   • If you think you're not going to make it, don't try this. Ostriches are very fast and will attack you by kicking you in the back as soon as they catch up with you.
2. Hide yourself. Rest assured, ostriches eat meat but stick to insects, small reptiles and rodents. A provoked ostrich will attack especially when it feels threatened, not to eat you. Hide as soon as possible so you won't be seen to reduce the risk of a long chase. The ostrich will lose interest in you as soon as it thinks you have left.
3. Climb into something. After all, an ostrich is incapable of flying. If there are no hiding places on the ground, climb a tree, fence, or other structure. Wait for the ostrich to lose interest in you before going back down.
   • An adult ostrich is usually 2-3 meters high. Although the animal has no teeth, it can lash out with its beak and throw you off balance. Try to get out of reach of the animal.
4. Dive into a thorn bush. Choose to be pricked by thorns rather than ripped open by the razor-sharp claws of the ostrich. If there are no other places to hide in, jump right into a thorn bush. Wait for the ostrich to leave before climbing out again.
   • The ostrich will not easily poke the bush with its head, so as not to damage its large eyes.
5. Lie on the floor. Resist the urge to run to a shelter or tree if it is too far away. As a last resort, pretend you're dead. Lie down with your stomach on the floor. Cover the back of your head with your arms to protect your skull. Brace yourself in case the ostrich starts playing with you. Wait for the animal to get fed up and leave before getting up again. Keep in mind that with this method there is still a risk of injury.
   • The risk of injury from the impact of an ostrich kick is drastically reduced when lying down. The ostrich kicks forward and then down, putting most of the force in the forward motion.
   • The claws are always a danger. Lie on your stomach to better protect your organs, as the ostrich can rake you with its claws.
   • The ostrich may even sit on you before it drops out. An adult ostrich can weigh between 90 and 160 kg.

Method 2 of 3: Defending against an ostrich

1. Use a long stick to defend yourself. If you are forced to defend yourself against an ostrich, keep your distance. Stay as far away from the animal's legs as possible. Use the closest, longest object that can be used as a weapon, such as a stick, rake, broom, or branch.
   • If you have a gun and need to use it, fire a warning shot first or, in extreme cases (and only in a life-threatening situation), aim at the ostrich's body to make sure you hit the target. Although the animal will attack with the legs and / or beak, the legs and neck are very thin and difficult to hit.
2. Stay to the side of the ostrich. You are most at risk when you are facing the animal. Remember, an ostrich is only able to kick its legs directly forward. Stay behind or to the side of the bird as much as possible to stay away from its most powerful weapons.
3. If there is no other option, aim with your stick at the neck. Think of this as the ostrich's weakest body part. Strike where the animal is most vulnerable and least protected. If this is not possible, aim for the chest. Focus your efforts especially between these two goals where possible. Keep defending yourself until the animal stops and runs away.
4. Aim for its wings. If the ostrich refuses to give up despite your attacks on its neck and chest, aim for its wings. Know that an ostrich does not use its wings to fly, but rather to change course faster while running, just like the rudder of a ship. Hitting its wings can marginally improve your chances of getting away by zigzag running, if you're forced to retreat.
5. Aim for the paws. If you are behind or next to the ostrich and have the ability to hit the animal's legs, do so. Know that the ostrich's center of gravity depends entirely on those two skinny legs. If you get the chance, hit one or both legs to disrupt their balance, speed, and attack power.

Method 3 of 3: Avoid encounters

1. Be aware of your surroundings. When you come to an area that could be the terrain of ostriches, analyze the landscape. Avoid open terrain. Stay close to shelter and pay attention to which areas are the most safe to retreat to if you come across an ostrich attacking.
2. Doesn't come close. When encountering an ostrich in the wild, keep your distance. Any distance less than 100 meters is too close. If an ostrich comes your way, distance yourself, even if the ostrich appears to be calm. Never back off into a corner, as this can lead to a "fight" response rather than a "flight" response.
   • While images of people petting, kissing, and even riding ostriches can make you think it is safe to approach them, remember that such images are tamed ostriches on farms. Even these birds should be treated with the same care and respect as wild species to avoid injury.
3. Beware of ostriches during the breeding season. At that time, the males in particular, who are in charge of protecting the eggs, are the easiest to provoke. Since ostriches tend to roam in pairs or alone at other times of the year, you can recognize the breeding season by the presence of herds in numbers of five to 50 ostriches at the same time.
   • Males can be recognized by their black feathers, white wingtips and tail plumes and the red blush on the front of their legs.
   • Females can be recognized by their brown feathers and gray wing tips and plumes.