Warning to campers as dingoes invade tents on K’gari

A warning has been issued to thousands of people visiting K’gari over the school holidays, with new photos showing the extent of damage caused by dingoes invading a tent.

Photos taken by rangers on K’gari have revealed the incredible sense of smell dingoes have, and their capacity for opportunistic feeding in the island’s camping areas.

Photos taken by rangers on K’gari have revealed the incredible sense of smell dingoes have, and their capacity for opportunistic feeding in the island’s camping areas, as thousands of people descend on K’gari over the school holidays.

The photos, shared by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, show the results of food and rubbish being incorrectly stored by campers.

Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes recently gorged themselves on accessible food and rubbish after breaking into a tent, and then began hanging around the camping area.

Photos taken by rangers on K’gari have revealed the incredible sense of smell dingoes have, and their capacity for opportunistic feeding in the island’s camping areas.

“Dingoes are opportunistic by nature and have torn open tents, can chew eskies open and knock over bins before ripping rubbish bags apart,” Dr Behrendorff said.

“Wildlife scavenging around camping areas is a common occurrence, and the problem with leaving food or rubbish where dingoes or other wildlife can get it makes them less fearful of humans.

“Dingoes don’t differentiate between food and rubbish, and they can start approaching people for food which puts dingoes and people at risk.

“Even in fenced areas, campers must ensure that all food and rubbish is stored in strong, secure containers and kept in an inaccessible place, such as a vehicle cabin or an enclosed ute tray.

“A tent or annex is not a secure place, and dingoes have also taken people’s belongings such as clothing, toiletries or shoes that carry the smell of food.

“Fishers should bury fish frames and unused bait at least 50cm deep in the sand to prevent dingoes digging it up.

Photos taken by rangers on K’gari have revealed the incredible sense of smell dingoes have, and their capacity for opportunistic feeding in the island’s camping areas.

“During the school holidays, we’re asking everyone to secure your camping area, secure your food and shoo dingoes away if they’re lingering nearby.”

Bins are provided on K’gari, and people are encouraged to use bins properly and never leave bags of rubbish beside bins.

If dingoes don’t find food at your camping area, they are more likely to hunt or scavenge for natural food.

It is an offence to deliberately or inadvertently feed dingoes. On the spot fines include $2580 for deliberately feeding a dingo and $464 for food availability.

The maximum court-imposed penalty for feeding dingoes is $26,614.