"My understanding is that the gentleman was in the vicinity of the bird and at some point fell. When he fell, he was attacked," Deputy Chief Jeff Taylor told the Gainesville Sun newspaper.

Marvin Hajos, a 75-year-old man from Alachua, Florida, was killed on Friday when a large, flghtless bird he owned attacked him outside of his home.

The bird, which was identified as a cassowary, attacked and badly wounded Hajos after he fell in its vicinity.

The Alachua County Sheriff Department told the BBC they were called to the man's property on Friday and found the man badly wounded by the bird.

Hajos was taken to the hospital to be treated for his wounds, but was unable to recover, the Alachua County Sheriff Department said.

The police are still investigating the incident, but initial information suggests that it was a "tragic accident".

"My understanding is that the gentleman was in the vicinity of the bird and at some point fell. When he fell, he was attacked," Deputy Chief Jeff Taylor told the Gainesville Sun newspaper.

The partner of Hajos told the Gainesville Sun that he had been "doing what he loved".

In addition to cassowaries, Hajos was reported to have several other exotic animals, including llamas.

The cassowary is considered one of the largest and heaviest birds in the world.

They are known to run up to 50km/hr and possess five-inch claws on each foot.

The police told the BBC that the bird involved in the incident remains at the property.