Advice on how to act when dingoes approach

Queensland Environment has issued advice on how to act if approached by a dingo as a way of preparing visitors to K’gari, Fraser Island. It is advice likely useful in Port Douglas where dingos regularly cross paths with people.

News on the young dingoes which inhabited the Port Douglas Sports Grounds late last year has dropped away, following a reported attack on a pet dog on Christmas Day and also unconfirmed reports a young dingo had been hit by a car, but sightings continue and the wider population in the Douglas region remains healthy and mobile.

WORLDS COLLIDE FOR ‘DEATH ROW DINGOES’

The advice by Queensland Environment is headed by the importance to always keep your distance (at least 20 metres) from dingoes but they may be closer than you think even if you can't see them.

If you're approached by a dingo:

• Be big and brave - Make yourself look large and dominant. Use your dingo safety stick to keep the distance between you and the dingo by tapping the stick on the ground or using it to flick sand at the dingo until it leaves.
•  Face the dingo and never turn your back - Keep your arms close to your body. If you’re next to someone, stand back-to-back.
•  Be loud and yell ‘HELP’ and ‘go away!’ - Be confident and call for help. Yelling ‘dingo!’ will alert others in the area so they know how to respond appropriately.
•  Calmly back away - Move to your car or a fenced area. If there is no safe space to back away to, stand your ground and continue calling for help. Dominance testing can go on for a long time.
•  Tell a ranger - Make sure to report your interaction to a ranger by calling (07) 4127 9150 or email [email protected].