Dingo interference claims surface

THE environment department is investigating if a tour operator let visitors interfere with a dingo, after photographs showed tourists around one of the animals.

Tourists surround a dingo on Fraser Island. Picture: Contributed

THE environment department is investigating whether a Fraser Island tour operator let visitors interfere with a dingo, after photographs were snapped showing tourists crowded around one of the animals.

The photos were circulated online and emailed to the Chronicle, raising concerns that tourists were getting too up close and personal with the wildlife.

Department of Environment and Resource Management acting regional manager Peter Wright said the matter was under investigation.

Acting Environment Minister Rachel Nolan has also warned Fraser Island visitors to act responsibly around the animals or risk being fined.

"Rangers have a 'zero tolerance' approach to people who ignore warnings and feed dingoes or leave food exposed that attracts them - fines between $300 and $4,000 could apply," she said.

"Rangers will be speaking to campers every day and will also hold regular meetings with resort owners and other commercial operators."

Originally published as Dingo interference claims surface