London 2/17/2011 12:00:00 AM
News / People

Killer birds warning

Australians hit by Cyclone Yasi have been warned to look out for killer birds.

Residents of Mission Beach and its surrounding areas in North Queensland are rebuilding their lives after the natural disaster destroyed their homes - but meanwhile they have to be on the lookout for cassowaries.

The huge, flightless birds are homeless after the cyclone flattened their natural habitat and on the hunt for food.

Weighing more than 140lb, their 12cm huge claws and powerful legs can disembowel a human with just one kick.

Although the beasts are seriously endangered residents are warned that they are roaming and hungry for fruit, which is their main food source.