How to Survive an Encounter with an Ostrich

Imagine facing one of the largest birds on Earth – the ostrich. Capable of running at speeds of up to 73 km/h, this massive bird is not only fast but also capable of delivering powerful kicks with its strong legs and sharp talons. While ostriches do not typically hunt humans, they can still cause serious harm or even kill if provoked. So how should you react in such a situation? The best approach is to keep your distance and avoid confrontation. However, if escape is not an option, crouching down low might help you evade its attention. And if you find yourself in a situation where you must fight back, it’s essential to know how to defend yourself against an ostrich attack. Read on to discover the best survival tactics for such a scenario.

Use a Long Weapon If you're forced into a fight for survival with an ostrich, it's crucial to avoid getting too close. Keep as much distance as possible to stay out of its kicking range, as an ostrich's kick is strong enough to kill a lion. Look for the longest object nearby that you can use as a weapon, such as a stick, broom, rake, or even a branch.

• If you have a gun and need to use it, aim for the body of the ostrich to increase your chances of hitting the target. Although an ostrich can attack with its legs and/or beak, its legs and neck are too narrow, making it difficult to miss your shot.

Move to the Side of the Ostrich. The most dangerous position to be in is facing the ostrich directly. Remember, an ostrich can only kick forward. Whenever possible, position yourself behind or to the side of the bird to avoid its most deadly weapon – its kick.

Target the Ostrich's Neck. The neck is the weakest part of the ostrich. Strike the most vulnerable and least protected area to defeat the bird more quickly. If this isn't possible, aim for its chest. Focus your strikes on these two areas whenever the opportunity arises. Continue attacking until the ostrich backs down or flees.

Injure the Ostrich's Wings. If the ostrich refuses to retreat after being hit in the neck, try targeting its wings. The ostrich's wings are not used for flying but for improving its maneuverability while running, much like the rudder of a ship. Wounding its wings will give you a better chance to escape in a zigzag pattern if you need to retreat.

Strike the Ostrich's Legs. If you're positioned behind or to the side of the ostrich and can reach one of its legs, use this tactic. The ostrich’s balance depends entirely on its long legs. If the chance arises, strike one or both of its legs to make it lose balance, slow down, and weaken its attack capabilities.

Run to a Nearby Shelter. Remember, an ostrich can reach speeds of 70 km/h in open terrain. If there is a dense area of trees nearby that you can reach before the ostrich catches up, sprint toward it as fast as you can. Prevent the ostrich from reaching its maximum speed to make it harder for it to catch you.

• If there is a more secure shelter than the trees, such as a car or some man-made structure, head there. An ostrich's kick can strike with 500 psi of force, enough to kill a person.
• If you’re not sure you can escape, DO NOT try. The ostrich runs extremely fast and will attack by kicking you in the back once it catches up.

Hide. Although ostriches are carnivorous, they only eat insects, reptiles, and small rodents. They chase humans primarily because they feel threatened, not because they want to eat them. If possible, take cover behind something that blocks the ostrich's view of you instead of risking a long chase. The ostrich may stop pursuing you if it thinks you've disappeared.

Climb High. Keep in mind that ostriches cannot fly. If you cannot find a hiding spot on the ground, climb a tree, a fence, or some other structure. Wait until the ostrich loses interest and walks away before climbing down.

• An adult ostrich stands around 2-3 meters tall. While it lacks teeth, it can use its beak to peck at you and unbalance you. Find a higher position to stay out of its reach.

Dive into Thorn Bushes. It’s better to get pricked by thorns than to be pecked in the abdomen by the sharp, razor-like claws of an ostrich. If no other shelter is available, jump into a thorn bush. Wait until the ostrich moves on before climbing out.

• Ostriches usually won’t stick their head into the bush to avoid getting their large eyes pricked by thorns.

Lie on the Ground. Don’t try to run to a shelter or climb if it’s too far. Instead, you can play dead as a last resort. Lie face down, press your stomach to the ground, and cover your head with your arms to protect your skull. Curl up and prepare yourself for the ostrich to circle around you. Wait until it loses interest and walks away before standing up. Keep in mind that you may still be injured using this method.

• The risk of injury from an ostrich’s kick decreases significantly when you’re lying down. The ostrich will kick forward and then backward, with most of the force directed in the forward motion.
• The ostrich's claws are still very dangerous. Lying face down helps protect your internal organs as the bird may use its talons to tear at you.
• The ostrich may stand on or even lie on top of you before it gets bored. An adult ostrich can weigh between 90 to 160 kg.

Assess the surrounding environment. When entering a territory potentially inhabited by ostriches, it is crucial to assess your surroundings. Stay clear of open spaces and move toward areas with hiding spots, always keeping in mind the safest zones where you can hide if the ostrich pursues you.

Keep a safe distance. Always maintain a safe distance when you spot an ostrich in the wild. A distance of less than 100 meters is too close. If the ostrich approaches, back away, even if it seems calm. Never corner an ostrich, as this could trigger its ‘fight’ reflex rather than its natural ‘flight’ instinct.

• Images of people petting, hugging, or even riding ostriches might make you think it’s safe to approach them, but remember these are domesticated ostriches on farms. Even with these, caution is still necessary to avoid injury.

Be cautious during their breeding season. Ostriches can be very agitated during this time, especially the males, who are responsible for incubating the eggs. Typically, ostriches wander alone or in pairs outside of breeding season, so the presence of large flocks—ranging from 5 to 50 birds—indicates that they are in their breeding period.

• Male ostriches can be recognized by their black feathers, white wing tips, and tail feathers, with red-colored skin on their legs.
• Female ostriches have brown feathers, with gray tail and wing tips.