How to Fight an Ostrich

How to Fight an Ostrich

62 Inches
56 Inches

56 Inches

30 Inches

1) Use a long weapon.
Use the nearest, longest object that could be used as a
weapon, such as a pole, rake, broom, or branch. If you have
a gun and need to use it, aim for the main body to better
ensure hitting your target.

If you are defending yourself against an ostrich, avoid
close-quarters combat. Keep as far out of reach of its legs
and beak as you can.

2) Keep to the ostrich’s side.

Avoid standing face-to-face with the ostrich. Stay behind or
to the side of the bird as much as possible. An ostrich’s
main weapons are their beak and legs.

8.3 inches

Talon

Ostriches
have one
razor-sharp
talon on
each foot.

An ostrich is only able to kick its legs directly in front of it. A
kick from an ostrich’s leg can hit you with an impact of 500
psi, which is enough to kill a human.

3) Aim for the neck.

Strike the ostrich where it is most vulnerable and least
protected. The neck is considered to be the weakest body
part. Try to aim for it as a strategic attacking point.

Failing that, aim for its breast. Concentrate your efforts
between the neck and the chest as opportunity affords.
Continue to strike until it quits and runs away.

4) Damage its wings.

If the ostrich refuses to give up despite your attacks on its
neck and chest, aim for its wings as the next target area.
Focus your attacks here as a second strategy point.

An ostrich does not use its wings for flight, but to alter
course more smoothly when running. Damaging its wings
may marginally improve your chances of running away in a
zigzag fashion if you are forced to retreat.

5) Go for its legs.

If you find yourself behind or to the side of the ostrich with
an easy shot to one of its legs, take it. If given the chance,
deliver a blow to one or both legs to upset its balance,
speed, and striking power.

Ostriches can run up to 43 mph over open ground. Trying to
out run an ostrich will not work. If you cannot fight the
ostrich, try to find cover or lay flat on the ground and cover
your head.