Easter a busy time for people and dingoes on Fraser Island

Easter is one of the busiest times of year on Fraser Island and also a season of high activity for the local dingo population. 

National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles has reminded people planning a break on Fraser Island to be mindful of the need to be dingo-safe. 

“The most popular holiday time on Fraser Island just happens to coincide with dingo mating season which generally runs from March to May each year,” Dr Miles said. 

“There’s an increased chance of hearing dingoes howling at night, which may be of interest to most visitors. But this is also a period when there is a greater risk of danger in any interaction between dingoes and humans. 

“That’s because this is the time when last year’s pups are establishing new territory and hunting for their own food for the first time. 

“Dingoes can be unpredictable at this time of year and there’s also a lot of dominance testing behaviour, which can often be misinterpreted as playing when in fact it’s very serious.” 

Dr Miles said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers would be increasing their patrols and also speaking to visitors to spread the dingo safety messages. 

“A few simple precautions can minimise the risk. Perhaps the most important message for families with young children is the recommendation to stay in one of the fenced camping areas,” Dr Miles said. 

Other dingo safety tips are: 

• always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
• always walk in groups
• camp in fenced areas where possible
• do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
• never feed the animals
• 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. 

Feeding dingoes is illegal and heavy penalties apply. 

Call 000 for emergency assistance with any high-risk dingo attack, and to report a lesser dingo incident, telephone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email dingo.ranger@nprsr.qld.gov.au. 

Information on Fraser Island and being dingo-safe is available online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: 3719 7336; 0437 533 172