Be Dingo Aware, check out our list of Dingo Do’s and Don’ts
One of the big stories in the press about Fraser Island in the last couple of days has alleged that backpackers are taunting dingoes which in turn has led to 3 tourists being “attacked” by them in the last couple of weeks.
Because of this behaviour by tourists two campgrounds have now been closed and the news is awash with other tales of backpackers taunting dingoes and causing them distress, and in some cases causing the dogs to be destroyed so that no further attacks occur…
There is an understandably angry reaction to the news that dingoes are being harrassed and taunted in a habitat which ultimately is theirs.
Dingoes are an important part of Fraser Island and in fact one of the main reasons backpackers and tourists visit the island so it’s vital that all visitors to Fraser Island respect them and give them space so as not to risk them being destroyed. A big part of that is ensuring that all Fraser Island tour operators provide enough information and advice to tourists before their departure. So with that in mind here is a handy list of Do’s and Don’ts.
Dingo Do’s and Don’ts
- DO NOT FEED them - this has to be the most important thing to remember and take seriously.
- Keep close to small children
- Watch them from a distance - don’t tease them
- Walk in small groups
- Pack away your food scraps in sealed containers
Be Dingo Aware
If you feel threatened….
- Stand up at your full height
- Face the dingo
- Fold your arms and keep eye contact
- If in pairs, stand back to back
- Calmly back away
- Confidently call for help
- Do not run or wave your arms
These wild dogs become threatening because people are not careful with food scraps.
DO NOT FEED THE DINGOES !
Anywhere on Fraser Island, on public or private land, it is an offence to feed a dingo, attract it using food or food waste, or disturb it in any way. Maximum penalty $3000. On-the-spot fines of $225 apply.
For more information see Be Dingo Safe - Queensland Government
(The three tourists who were “attacked” recently were all in fact just nipped by the annoyed dingoes, there is a fear that if dingoes continue to be harrassed their usual quite timid behaviour could become more aggressive which ultimately will lead to their demise just for protecting themselves from those who are not sensible around these wild animals.)
