A close call with a male cassowary and his chick has prompted urgent warnings from authorities about the dangers of feeding the prehistoric-looking, man-tall bird.

Security footage captured the moment the two southern cassowaries approached a home in South Mission Beach, about two hours south of Cairns in Queensland, expecting to be fed.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mum and daughter flee aggressive cassowary expecting food

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DESI) said such encounters are becoming more frequent due to unlawful feeding.

Wildlife Ranger Jeff Lewis said feeding cassowaries changes their natural behaviour, putting both people and the endangered birds at risk.

“This incident is one of several cassowary interactions in the area which are linked to unlawful feeding,” Lewis said.

“Thankfully the mother and child were able to get inside to safety, but it’s an important reminder to not interfere with wildlife.”

Close call: A young girl flees the large cassowary. Credit: DESI

The cassowary and its chick came right to the doorstep expecting food. Credit: DESI

Just last month, a man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary approaching him for food, suffering injuries that could have been much worse, the department confirmed.

There are an estimated 4000 southern cassowaries left in the wild in Australia.

But the iconic cassowary is no ordinary bird.

Often called a “living dinosaur”, this species can grow up to 1.7 metres tall.

The southern cassowary is the heaviest flightless bird in Australia and the second heaviest in the world, after the common ostrich.

What sets it apart are its powerful legs and prehistoric looking feet, each with three toes.

The cassowary’s massive feet with dagger like claws are its most dangerous weapons. Credit: Sarah Davis

The inner toe has a dagger like claw up to 12 centimetres long, a natural weapon capable of delivering deadly slashing kicks.

These muscular legs enable the cassowary to strike with incredible speed and force, defending itself against predators like crocodiles and pythons.

This fearsome combination earned the cassowary the title of the “world’s most dangerous bird”.

Authorities warn feeding cassowaries is illegal and dangerous. Credit: DESI

Be cass-o-wary

Despite ongoing education campaigns and signage, unlawful feeding continues to fuel risky encounters.

While generally shy, cassowaries can become aggressive when they associate humans with food, especially when protecting their chicks.

Authorities urge locals and visitors to report any such activity and to follow safety guidelines strictly:

• Never approach cassowaries
• Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them
• Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths
• Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids
• Slow down when driving in cassowary habitat
• Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road
• Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash

The casque and deadly claw are the cassowary’s key survival tools. The casque helps it navigate dense rainforest. Credit: Getty Images

Cassowaries play a crucial role in Australia’s rainforest ecosystems, but their survival depends on respectful distance and proper habitat care, DESI explained.

If you spot an injured or aggressive cassowary, contact Wildlife Rangers on 1300 130 372 immediately.

Male cassowaries aggressively protect their chicks, especially if food is involved. Credit: Getty Images