“The cassowary is rightfully considered the most dangerous bird in the world! Each three-toed foot has a dagger-like claw on the inner toe that is up to 4 inches long,” is how the San Diego ...

The most dangerous bird species are also some of the most beautiful. These seemingly innocent creatures can pack a punch — or peck — that you definitely want to avoid.

But a cassowary is not your regular garden bird. If an adult male stretches up to his full height, he can look down on someone five feet five—i.e., me—and he may weigh more than 110 pounds.

The birds can run up to 30 mph (50km/h) and have a five-inch claw on each foot. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission consider cassowary a Class II species, which require a permit ...