ALACHUA, Fla. – A Florida breeder who was fatally attacked by a large, flightless bird native to Australia and New Guinea did not have a permit to own the animal, officials said.
Marvin Hajos, 75, was killed by a cassowary Friday near Gainesville, according to authorities.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Karen Parker confirmed Monday that Hajos exercised an exemption in the agency's captive wildlife rules. The Gainesville Sun reported that a permit is normally required to possess, sell or publicly exhibit cassowaries, but breeders are exempt from the rule.
Cassowaries are similar to emus and stand up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 130 pounds.
The San Diego Zoo's website calls them the world's most dangerous bird, with a 4-inch, dagger-like claw on each foot that can cut open people or predators.