Be wildlife aware

Encounters with wildlife are usually a highlight of your park visit, but there are some species you need to be wary of. People have been seriously injured and killed by dangerous animals in Queensland.

  • Never feed, handle or play with any wildlife:
    • you may get bitten or scratched
    • animals can become aggressive towards people when fed.
    • unauthorised feeding of animals in protected areas is illegal.
    • human foods may be harmful to wild animals.
  • Be aware that animals can transmit disease (zoonotic diseases).
  • Do not approach a distressed animal.

Report sick, injured or orphaned wildlife

If you encounter sick, injured or orphaned wildlife immediately call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) for specialist advice to give the animal the best chance of survival.

The 1300 ANIMAL call centre operates between 7am and 7pm, 365 days a year. After hours arrangements are in place to ensure help is available. Visit the RSPCA website for information on who to contact after hours.

To report marine animal strandings (of sick, injured or dead turtles, dolphin, dugongs or whales) call 1300 130 372 (Press option 1).

    Snakes

    • Snakes generally retreat when encountered. If they feel threatened, they can become defensive.
    • If you come across a snake, back away to a safe distance and allow the snake to move away.
    • Know how to treat a snake bite.

    Marine stingers

    • Marine stingers (dangerous stinging jellyfish) may be present in coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months.
    • They have potent toxic stings that can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death.
    • Visit Beachsafe and/or Surf Life Saving Queensland for safety and first aid information.

    Crocodiles

    Cassowaries

    • Cassowaries are endangered birds from the rainforests of northern Queensland.
    • Cassowaries’ behaviour is unpredictable—they can cause serious injuries to people and pets by kicking with their large, clawed feet.
    • Never approach cassowaries. Stay well away, never feed them and drive slowly in cassowary territory.
    • Know the Be Cass-o-Wary safety tips to avoid risks and help protect these endangered birds.

    Dingoes

    • Dingoes have the potential to be dangerous to humans.
    • The risk of dangerous behaviour is greatly increased in dingoes that have become habituated to humans through feeding or other engagement.
    • Be Dingo-Safe:
      • Keep children within arm’s reach and don’t be alone. Always walk in groups to reduce your risk.
      • Keep your distance from dingoes and carry a safety stick (such as an umbrella, hiking pole, or something similar) to deter dingoes from coming too close. Safety sticks can be pointed at dingoes to scare them off or to keep distance between a person and the dingo, they can also be whacked on the ground to scare the animals off.
      • Don’t feed or interact with dingoes.
      • Always keep food, rubbish, cooking, cleaning and fishing items locked up or in your car. Dingoes are attracted to anything with a scent. Secure your storage and iceboxes with heavy-duty straps. Never store food items in your tent.
    • If approached by a dingo:
      • Make yourself look large and dominant. Use a safety stick to keep distance between you and the dingo.
      • Face the dingo—never turn your back. If you’re next to someone, stand back-to-back.
      • Yell ‘help’ and ‘din-go-away’. Be loud.
      • Calmly back away to a safe space, do not run. If there is no safe space to back away to, stand your ground and continue yelling. Dominance testing can go on for a long time.
    • If you’re visiting K’gari, read more about how to Be dingo-safe on K'gari.

    Sharks

    • Many species of sharks live in the waters all along the Queensland coast.
    • Sharks are present at all times of the year in the open ocean and in many estuaries, rivers, canals, creeks and streams.
    • Be SharkSmart in Queensland’s waters.

    Bites and stings

    • Wear protective clothing and apply personal insect repellent to protect yourself from bites and stings.
    • Visit Queensland Health for information and first aid advice.
    • Some people may suffer from anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) after an insect bite or sting. If this occurs, apply first aid treatment for anaphylaxis.

    Plants that sting

    • Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long trousers to protect your skin from thorns that scratch or leaves that sting.
    • Avoid stinging trees.
      • The leaves, stems and fruit of the stinging tree cause a sting that is extremely painful and site sensitivity can persist for several months.
      • If stung, and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.

    Want to know more?

    Read stay safe and visit with care for important information about staying safe, caring for parks and essentials to bring when you visit Queensland’s national parks.