Wildlife authorities at one of the country’s most popular tourist islands are renewing their plea to the public these Christmas holidays, warning parents in particular over the ever-present threat of dingoes.
Queensland’s Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have increased patrols on K’gari after two dingoes approached a woman at speed on the beach area at Boorangoora — formerly Lake Mackenzie — on Thursday, December 19.
It’s prompted a reignited plea to Australians and tourists alike thinking of heading to the popular hotspot, which attracts and estimated 500,000 travellers per year. Senior Ranger Dr Linda Behrendorff said it was unclear what triggered the dingoes “to approach at speed” and “cause one of them to deliberately collide with the woman”.
Speaking to Yahoo, Evan Quartermain from the Humane Society International, explained why dingoes are so important on K’gari, and why we should be working to protect the animals — and not against them.
“K’gari’s dingoes are protected native animals of massive conservation priority due to their important roles in the island’s ecosystems and cultural significance to First Nations people,” Quartermain earlier told Yahoo News Australia. “They’re a big part of what makes K’gari so special.”
Campers, four-wheel drivers and visitors in general, have been warned to always carry a stick on K’gari. Source: Supplied
Why should you always carry a stick on K’gari?
With regard to the recent incident, Behrendorff said with children being on school holidays and the island’s popularity among families especially, it’s more important than ever to be “dingo-safe”.
“This was a close call but thankfully the woman wasn’t bitten or injured,” Behrendorff said. “The family were being dingo-safe by staying close to each other and were able to deter the dingoes by yelling and carrying sticks.”
Behrendorff said her team were advised by the family that the dingoes fled as soon as they saw the sticks — which she described as “pleasing to see” that the group had the foresight to protect themselves.
“People who are heading to the island are advised to be dingo safe at all times, and carry a stick which works as a deterrent,” she warned.
“Always keep children or small teens within reach and never walk alone or run on the beach, and people with children can consider staying in the fenced camping areas of K’gari. Always be dingo-safe and make this Christmas one to remember for the right reasons.”
QPWS urges anyone who encounters concerning dingo behaviour to report it by calling 07 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au.
How to be be dingo-safe these holidays, according to QPS
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Always stay within arm’s reach of children and young teenagers
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Always walk in groups and carry a stick
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Never feed dingoes
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K’gari’s environment provides plenty of food for dingoes, and they do not need to be fed
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Camp in fenced areas where possible
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Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
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Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
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Never store food or food containers in tents, and
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Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
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