There are ostriches in the wild, on farms, and on expeditions.Regardless of where you find them, treat them with care.They have been known to hurt and kill when provoked.They can deliver mortal blows by the force of their legs, even if they have sharp talons at their toes.Keep your distance and steer clear of them, that's the best thing to do.They are unlikely to bother you if you don't bother them.Failing that, hiding and ducking works the best.You may even have to fight them.
Step 1: Run towards cover.
ostriches can reach speeds of 43 mph (70 km) over open ground.If there is dense vegetation close to you, sprint for it.The ostrich has less chance of out running you if you prevent it from attaining optimum speed.If there is more sturdy cover than vegetation, go for it.A kick from an animal's leg can kill a human with an impact of 500 pounds per square inch.Do not attempt it if you don't think you can make it.As soon as they catch up to you, the ostriches will kick you in the back.
Step 2: You should conceal yourself.
While ostriches do eat meat, they stick to insects, small reptiles, and rodents.A provoked ostrich will chase humans because it feels threatened, not because of its desire to eat them.Rather than risk a lengthy chase, duck behind cover at your first chance.The ostrich will lose interest when it thinks that you are gone.
Step 3: Don't let yourself be deceived.
An animal is incapable of flight.Climb a tree, fence, or other structure if there are no hiding places on the ground.An adult ostrich is usually 7 to 9 feet tall.Although it has no teeth, it can jab at you with its beak.Keep out of range by seeking a higher elevation.
Step 4: There is a thorn bush.
If you want to get disemboweled, opt for getting pricked by thorns.Jump straight into the thorn bush if no other hiding spots are available.Before climbing out, wait for the ostrich to leave.In order to protect its large eyes, the ostrich will refrain from poking its head in after you.
Step 5: Lay down on the ground.
If it's too far away, don't run for cover or elevation.As a last-ditch effort, play dead.Place your stomach on the ground.To protect your skull, cover the back of your head with your arms.The ostrich is going to play with you.Wait for it to stop and then get back up.This method may result in injury.Laying down reduces the risk of injury from the force of the kick.The force of the kick is spent in the forward motion.The talons are still dangerous.Lie on your stomach to protect your organs.The animal may sit on you before it tires.An adult ostrich can weigh between 200 and 350 lbs.
Step 6: Use a weapon that is long.
Avoid close-quarters combat if you have to defend yourself against an animal.You should keep as far away from its legs as possible.Use a pole, rake, broom, or branch as a weapon.If you have a gun and need to hit your target, aim for the main body of the animal.Their legs and neck are very thin and easy to miss.
Step 7: Continue to the side of the animal.
The two of you are face-to-face.An animal can only kick its legs in front of it.Stay behind the bird as much as possible to keep it from using its most powerful weapon.
Step 8: Aim for the neck
This is the weakest part of the animal.To defeat it more quickly, strike it where it is most vulnerable.If that doesn't work, aim for its breast.You should concentrate your efforts between the two.Continue until it quits and runs away.
Step 9: You can damage its wings.
When given the chance, aim for the wings of the ostrich.Just like a ship's rudder, an ostrich uses its wings to alter course more smoothly when running.If you are forced to retreat, damaging its wings may improve your chances of running away.
Step 10: Go for its feet.
If you find yourself behind or to the side of an animal with an easy shot to one of its legs, take it.The center of gravity is dependent on those two skinny legs.Give one or both a blow to upset its balance, speed, and power.
Step 11: Know your surroundings.
Evaluate the landscape when you are in an area that may be home to an animal.Don't go to open areas.It's a good idea to keep a close eye on which areas are the safest to retreat to if you encounter an animal that charges you.
Step 12: Close contact is not recommended.
When you see an animal in the wild, keep your distance.Consider any distance less than 100 meters as too close.Even if the ostrich is calm, back away.This will cause a fight response instead of a flight one, so never back one into a corner.Images of people petting, kissing, and even riding an animal may make you believe that it is safe to approach them, but they are not.Birds should be treated the same as wild ones to avoid injury.
Step 13: During the breeding season, be careful with ostriches.
They are at their most easily provoked at this time, especially males who are tasked with protecting the female's eggs.It's a good idea to know the breeding season by the presence of herds numbering anywhere from 5 to 50 ostriches at a time.The males have black feathers, white wingtips, and tails, with a red flush on the front of their legs.The females have brown feathers and gray wingtips.