Can I Take on an Emu?

What are your thoughts on a human versus an emu in a one-on-one fight, locked in a room until one is declared the victor? My strategy would be to grab the emu’s neck and repeatedly kick its legs. I know ground birds have stronger bones than flying birds, but I think repeated kicks could take it down. What do you think?

Without weapons, it might be tougher than you think. The emu wouldn’t just let you hold its neck—it would fight back with powerful legs. While humans have an advantage with hands and arms, an emu’s beak and legs could do serious damage.

@Finlo
Yes, the legs are the most dangerous part of an emu in a fight.

Nevin said:
@Finlo
Yes, the legs are the most dangerous part of an emu in a fight.

True, I underestimated the power of their legs. My thought was to grab the neck to control it, while leg-kicking it repeatedly. The beak might hurt and draw blood, but I don’t think that alone would decide the fight. The real challenge is its powerful legs.

I heard of someone who was surrounded by a mob of emus. They were intimidating, and her boyfriend found it hilarious from the sidelines. Emus can be threatening during mating season.

There’s a trick: make your hand look like an emu’s head and raise it higher than the emu’s head. They might back down, as height signifies dominance.

What did the emu ever do to you?

Arden said:
What did the emu ever do to you?

It’s just hypothetical! We’re locked in a room, and only one of us can leave. I hold no grudge, just the challenge.

Australian here. Emus are not as tall as you’d think, but they’re definitely not friendly, even on farms. They can be dangerous, especially during mating season. I wouldn’t recommend fighting one.

If you grab its neck, could you twist it to disable it?

Denny said:
If you grab its neck, could you twist it to disable it?

Good thought, but I doubt a human has the strength to twist an emu’s neck effectively. Holding the neck would just help keep it steady for leg kicks. The emu’s neck and body are pretty robust.

@Mal
But wouldn’t it strike you back with its legs?

Man vs literal dinosaur. I think the emu would win, but you’d give it a fair fight!