One pack to blame for attacks

A LEADING dingo expert and the DERM have confirmed one dingo pack is likely to blame for the spate of recent attacks on Fraser Island.

A LEADING dingo expert and the Department of Environment and Resource Management have confirmed one dingo pack is likely to blame for the spate of recent attacks on Fraser Island.

Victorian Dingo Care Network secretary and Monash University research fellow Dr Ernest Healy made the claims after it was revealed three tourists had been savaged by a pack of the wild dogs in eight days.

DERM also confirmed dingo packs had bailed up numerous people, ripped tents and ransacked items from camp grounds.

All incidents happened at or close to the K'gari camp ground on Fraser Island.

Dr Healy said it was possible the dingo pack lived in a den near the campsite and had been defending their territory.

"It's not typical for dingoes to approach people in a pack - it's unusual - it could be the one pack," Dr Healy said.

"I honestly think if it's obvious that the incidents all happened in the one area, it would simply be wise for wildlife managers to close that campsite for a time."

DERM regional manager Great Sandy Region Ross Belcher agreed the same dingoes were involved in each attack and said rangers were trying to isolate the aggressive dogs.

"It is likely to be the same pack; however, the identities of all the aggressive dingoes have not been confirmed," Mr Belcher said. "Rangers are ear tagging dingoes in the area so they can monitor dingo behaviour at the site and identify the ones causing the problems."

Originally published as One pack to blame for attacks