Be Cass-o-wary during heavy rain and flooding in the Wet Tropics Region

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch is reminding people in Far North Queensland to be Cass-o-wary during wet weather and flooding.

Ms Enoch said recent flooding had caused some cassowaries to move out of low-lying areas and make their way onto higher ground.

“We are urging people living along or visiting the urban fringes of cassowary habitat to pay attention to recent cassowary sighting signs while driving, riding or walking through cassowary habitat areas,” Ms Enoch said.

“If you see a recent cassowary sighting warning sign while driving you should slow down and pay that bit more attention as cassowary behaviour is very unpredictable.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said there was a risk of cassowaries being killed or injured, and also posing traffic hazards when they’re on the road.

“Cassowaries can also inflict serious injuries on people and pets by kicking out with their large clawed feet if they become scared or agitated,” she said.

“People should therefore never approach them or try to feed them in the wild.”

Ms Enoch said people in the area could discourage cassowaries from entering their properties by closing gates, removing food sources such as fallen fruit and food scraps, and by moving pet food and water bowls to an enclosed location, such as inside a veranda.

People living in or visiting cassowary habitat are reminded to always be Cass-o-wary and are reminded to:

• Not feed the cassowaries, especially on the side of the road where they might be hit by passing cars
• Observe recent cassowary sighting signs while driving, and slowing down and avoiding any cassowaries that come into view
• Restrain domestic dogs
• Place food scraps in enclosed bins and ensuring compost bins have secure lids.
• Leave cassowaries to find their own food.
• Retain vegetation as cassowary feeding grounds and habitat corridors

Sick, injured and orphaned cassowaries should be reported to Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372.

Media Contact: 0437 859 987