How to Survive an Encounter with an Ostrich
Run for nearby cover., Conceal yourself., Elevate yourself., Dive into a thorn bush., Lay on the ground.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Run for nearby cover.
Expect ostriches to attain speeds of 43 mph (70 km) over open ground.If there is dense vegetation or woods close enough for you to reach before the ostrich reaches you, sprint for that.Prevent the ostrich from attaining optimum speed so it has less chance of outrunning you.
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.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. -
Step 2: Conceal yourself.
Rest assured that, while ostriches do eat meat, they stick to insects, small reptiles, and rodents.Understand that a provoked ostrich will chase humans primarily because it feels threatened, not because it wants to eat them.At your first opportunity, duck behind cover that conceals you from its view, rather than risk a prolonged chase.Expect the ostrich to lose interest once it thinks that you are gone. , Remember that an ostrich is incapable of flight.If no hiding places are to be found on ground-level, climb a tree, fence, or other structure.Wait for the ostrich to lose interest and leave before coming back down.
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. , Opt for getting pricked by thorns instead being disemboweled by the ostrich’s razor-sharp talons.
If no other hiding spots are available, jump straight into a thorn bush.
Wait for the ostrich to leave before climbing out.Expect the ostrich to refrain from poking its head in after you, in order to protect its large eyes. , Resist the urge to run for cover or elevation if it is too far away.
Instead, play dead as a last-ditch effort.
Lay with your stomach to the ground.
Cover the back of your head with your arms to protect your skull.
Brace yourself for the ostrich to toy with you.
Wait for it to tire of this and leave before getting back up.
Be aware that this method may still result in injury.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 being been 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). -
Step 3: Elevate yourself.
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Step 4: Dive into a thorn bush.
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Step 5: Lay on the ground.
Detailed Guide
Expect ostriches to attain speeds of 43 mph (70 km) over open ground.If there is dense vegetation or woods close enough for you to reach before the ostrich reaches you, sprint for that.Prevent the ostrich from attaining optimum speed so it has less chance of outrunning you.
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.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.
Rest assured that, while ostriches do eat meat, they stick to insects, small reptiles, and rodents.Understand that a provoked ostrich will chase humans primarily because it feels threatened, not because it wants to eat them.At your first opportunity, duck behind cover that conceals you from its view, rather than risk a prolonged chase.Expect the ostrich to lose interest once it thinks that you are gone. , Remember that an ostrich is incapable of flight.If no hiding places are to be found on ground-level, climb a tree, fence, or other structure.Wait for the ostrich to lose interest and leave before coming back down.
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. , Opt for getting pricked by thorns instead being disemboweled by the ostrich’s razor-sharp talons.
If no other hiding spots are available, jump straight into a thorn bush.
Wait for the ostrich to leave before climbing out.Expect the ostrich to refrain from poking its head in after you, in order to protect its large eyes. , Resist the urge to run for cover or elevation if it is too far away.
Instead, play dead as a last-ditch effort.
Lay with your stomach to the ground.
Cover the back of your head with your arms to protect your skull.
Brace yourself for the ostrich to toy with you.
Wait for it to tire of this and leave before getting back up.
Be aware that this method may still result in injury.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 being been 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).
About the Author
Patrick Rogers
Enthusiastic about teaching creative arts techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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