A dingo on K’garri (Fraser) Island. Visitors need to heed the safety rules at all times, says the government. Photo: Line Knipst/pexels
The Queensland Government is reminding visitors to K’gari (Fraser) Island during the Easter holidays to follow their dingo-safety advice.
People are reminded to always carry a dingo safety stick, avoid walking alone, don’t run and ensure children are always close.
Ranger-in-charge Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes could be anywhere at any time on the island and people can’t be complacent.
“Holiday periods are always busy on K’gari. Residents and visitors should be thinking about our safety messages at all times,” she says.
“There have been 28 high-risk incidents on the island this year. We want to get through this holiday period without any further interactions.”
In the most recent reported incident, on April 2, three female tourists were nipped on their lower legs by dingoes while walking on a track into Lake Wabby but decided not to leave the island.
“Dingoes should never be fed or approached for photos. If they’re lingering around camping areas, they should be deterred through making assertive and loud noises,” Dr Behrendorff says.
“Fishers should never let dingoes get access to discarded bait, and fish frames should be buried at half a metre deep.
“Throwing one piece of bait or unwanted sausage can instantly change the behaviour of a dingo, and that can lead to changes in behaviour of a dingo pack.”
Dr Behrendorff says deliberate or inadvertent feeding of dingoes or by approaching them for selfies is unlawful — dingoes on the island are protected by law — and could provoke them.
“To stay safe and protect the unique wildlife, we’re asking all visitors to remain vigilant, secure food and rubbish properly, and be dingo-safe!”
DINGO SAFETY TIPS
- Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers;
- always walk in groups;
- always carry a stick when walking;
- camp in fenced areas where possible;
- do not run; running or jogging can provoke a negative reaction;
- never feed dingoes;
- lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat);
- never store food or food containers in tents; and
- secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
