Awesome Animal Fact - Kicky Ostriches

Awesome Animal Fact:

Did you know ostriches are capable of killing a lion? Ostriches, the tallest and heaviest living birds in the world, are generally herbivores, although they also eat small animals like lizards and insects. They aren't typically aggressive unless they feel threatened, but they often DO feel threatened, particularly during mating season, nesting season, and when the hatched babies are young. Therefore, they are considered unpredictable and often dangerous. In fact, several people are killed by ostriches every year, and even more are injured.

Ostriches are extremely aggressive when they feel threatened, or when their young are threatened. How can they be so dangerous? It's all in those long, muscular legs. Ostriches are capable of impressively powerful forward kicks. They have two toes on each foot, and the longest toe has a formidable claw, which can kill and/or disembowel a human or other large animal.

Don't get me wrong... as explained above, ostriches sometimes get the best of predators using their powerful kicks, BUT they're also often killed by predators. Sometimes they can escape simply by running, as these birds can run at up to 43 miles per hour (69 km/hr).

Photo Credits:
- Ostrich feet - DepositPhotos