If you have a gun and need to use it, aim for the ostrich’s main body to better ensure hitting your target. Although they will be attacking with their legs and/or beak, their legs and neck are very thin and easy to miss.
If there is more sturdy cover than vegetation (such as a car or manmade structure), go for that. A kick from an ostrich’s leg can hit you with an impact of 500 psi, which is enough to kill a human. [8] X Research source If you don’t think you can make it, DO NOT attempt it. Ostriches are extremely fast and will attack by kicking you in the back as soon as they catch up to you. [9] X Research source
An adult ostrich typically stands 7 to 9 feet tall (2 to 3 meters). Although it has no teeth, it may jab at you with its beak and potentially upset your balance. Seek a higher elevation to keep out of range.
Expect the ostrich to refrain from poking its head in after you, in order to protect its large eyes.
The risk of injury from the force of impact of an ostrich’s kick is dramatically reduced when you lay down. The ostrich kicks forward, then downward, with most of its force spent in the forward motion. The talons still do pose a danger. Lie on your stomach to better protect your organs, since the ostrich may rake you with its talons. The ostrich may stand or even sit on you before it tires. An adult ostrich may weigh between 198 and 350 lbs (90 and 159 kilograms). [15] X Research source
Although images of people petting, kissing, and even riding ostriches may lead you to believe that it is safe to approach them, note that such images are of tamed ostriches from farms. Even these birds should be treated with the same caution and respect as wild ones to avoid injury.
Identify males by their black feathers, white wingtips and tail plumes, and the red flush that appears on the front of their legs. Distinguish females by their brown feathers and gray wingtips and plumes. [18] X Research source
