First it was Cyclone Larry.
Now, giant cassowaries deprived of food are striking fear into the hearts of Innisfail residents in far north Queensland.
The flightless cassowary — Australia's biggest rainforest bird — has left its usual habitat and taken to the streets of Innisfail, the regional centre that was ravaged by category five storm Larry in March.
With some still bearing scars inflicted during the storm, a flock of cassowaries have curiously made their way down to the town in a desperate search for food.
Their sighting has ruffled the feathers of several locals, particularly those recently chased by the birds who have the potential to deliver a fatal blow if threatened.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has appealed to residents and tourists in the area affected by Larry to stop feeding cassowaries close to homes.
QPWS Conservation Services manager Mark Read said eight cassowaries, including five from the Innisfail area, had been captured and relocated to more remote areas since Larry hit on March 20.
Dr Read said cassowaries removed from Innisfail and nearby Mission Beach had chased residents and threatened a mother pushing her baby in a pram.
"Two of the most recently moved birds - at South Mission Beach and East Innisfail - were displaying behaviour that was threatening and dangerous to people," Dr Read said.
"All three were also hanging around urban areas so were more at risk of dog attack and vehicle strike.
"We did assessments, and found these birds were high risk and needed to be relocated."
Dr Read said the normally shy and reclusive cassowaries — some standing more than two metres — had been forced out of the surrounding rainforest with food sources drained by the cyclone's effect.
"Cyclone Larry put pressure on cassowary habitat and resulted in food shortages," he said.
"These birds appeared to have no fear in walking right up to people and trying to solicit food.
"Given that the South Mission bird weighed more than 60kg and stood over two metres tall, they obviously represented a danger to members of the community."
People aren't the only ones at risk, however, with four cassowaries killed by cars in the 10 days immediately following the cyclone, Dr Read said.
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