Florida man is killed by his large, flightless bird deemed 'world's most dangerous' after he fell and it attacked him with its long four-inch claws

A large, flightless bird native to Australia and New Guinea killed its Florida owner when it attacked him after he fell, authorities said Saturday.

The Alachua County Fire Rescue Department said that a cassowary killed the man Friday on his property near Gainesville, likely using its long claws. The victim, whose name was not released, was apparently breeding the birds, state wildlife officials said.

'It looks like it was accidental. My understanding is that the gentleman was in the vicinity of the bird and at some point fell. When he fell, he was attacked,' Deputy Chief Jeff Taylor told the Gainesville Sun.

'The cassowary can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick. Powerful legs help the cassowary run up to 31 miles per hour through the dense forest underbrush,' the website says.

Cassowaries are not raised for food in the U.S., but are sought after by collectors.

To get the mandatory permit, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires cassowary owners to have 'substantial experience' and meet specific cage requirements, spokeswoman Karen Parker told the newspaper.

Wildlife officials did not answer phone calls late Saturday and it could not be learned what happened to the bird. 

The Alachua County Sheriff's Office is  working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as it looks into the land where the animal was found. 

'We're looking to confirm our suspicions that this is a horrible accident for the man and his family,' Lt. Brett Rhodenizer said, according to the Miami Herald.