Aggressive dingoes are apparently becoming a growing problem at Myall Lakes National Park in New South Wales..
In the latest incident, two Dutch tourists called triple zero for help after they were stalked along the beach at Dark Point. A police 4WD vehicle collected the frightened tourists from the waterline and drove them to safety.
“The dingo stalked them, growled at them and was becoming aggressive,” senior constable Dave Coyle told the Myall Coast Nota newspaper. “They were using sticks to try and fend the dog off.”
Mr Coyle said there had been a number of other recent reports of dingoes acting aggressively towards people in the Dark Point area.
Experts believe the dingo may have identified the people as a food source after being fed scraps and scavenging in campsites throughout the nearby national park.
“It may well be that the reason they appear to be following people is that other visitors have been feeding them,” National Parks spokesman Lawrence Orel told the Newcastle Herald. “They have lost their natural fear of humans and the result is that, if the dingo becomes too familiar or unpredictable, it may not be a good result for the dingo.”
It also means that when there are less campers in the park such as during winter, the easy feed becomes harder to find.
“The warning is simple – do not feed dingoes or any other wild animals and make sure you get rid of your scraps appropriately,” Mr Orel said.
Last summer a dingo stole a bag containing antique jewellery from two sunbathing British tourists at nearby Jimmys Beach. That particular dingo, which had been the subject of numerous complaints from visitors, was later ‘euthanised’ by council rangers.
Have you noticed the dingo ‘problem’ getting worse? In which other areas do dingoes frighten campers? Do you have an aggressive dingo strategy? Comment below.
Tourists need to be educated about Australia’s Native Dog. Warning signs in multiple languages should be displayed promimantly. Tourists in Africa know they need to be careful around Lions and other African animals. Sam with Dingies. EDUCATE The PUBLIC. Dingoes need to be protected, not “euthenased!
Well said Kathleen. Dingo’s are Australia’s top predator and need protecting. It is always the animals that suffer because of peoples ignorance!
When you say tourists I am hoping that you mean all tourists.Our native dog is a majestic animal and should be protected.
blame the people not the animal humans are supposed to know better
dont blame/ punish the dingo’s or other wild animals for their behaviour when they cross paths with humans. we need to remember that we are the intruders when going into areas where wild animals such as dingoes and crocdiles still roam free. it is up to us to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for our own safety.
It’s simple – hide food away and don’t feed dingoes. They then won’t be euthanised