It may not be particularly reassuring to hear, but grey nomads and other tourists are being warned to be ready to defend themselves aggressively if they are attacked by a dingo on Queensland’s Fraser Island.
Easter is a busy time for camping on the island and it corresponds with dingo mating season, meaning there is an increased chance of interactions between the native dog and humans. And that means a higher chance of attacks.
“Dingoes are out and about looking for mates, exploring new territories,” Queensland Parks and Wildlife ranger, Daniel Clifton, told the ABC. “They can be more aggressive … they’ve got the hormones running through them so typically, over the years it has been a time when we’ve had high levels of interaction between visitors and dingoes.”
Mr Clifton told the ABC that, while he would prefer visitors respected the animal’s space, they should be bold if they were attacked.
“If you’re attacked, you need to defend yourself aggressively, and if you need to hit it or kick, don’t just be passive and let it be dominant over you,” he said. “They are a pack animal so within that pack structure there are dominant and submissive animals, so they will be submissive if you’re dominant over them.”
A spokesperson for Save Fraser Island Dingoes Incorporated, Cheryl Bryant, said Easter was not a good time for dingoes.
“Regardless of who instigated the incident, whether it was the tourist or the dingo, it’s the dingo that ends up being destroyed and that’s a concern,” she said. “If you’re going over there, just be aware that the wildlife was over there before you were and just respect that.”
Dingo mating season on Fraser Islands generally lasts until June.
I had two pet dingoes and they would have to have been the best doga I ever had.
Both pure breed.