Be dingo-safe communication resources

The Queensland Government is committed to making sure all visitors to K’gari have safe, enjoyable and sustainable experiences. Visitor safety is our top priority and we continue to implement a range of management, communication and engagement activities year-round.

Dingo risk mitigation measures include regular and targeted ranger patrols, signage, park alerts for heightened dingo activity, and deterrents including exclusion fencing.

These activities are supported by our extensive Be dingo-safe public safety education campaign which aims to influence K’gari visitors to adopt specific behaviours to reduce the risk of negative dingo interactions. Dingo safety guidelines include:

• Never feed dingoes.
• Always stay within arm’s reach of children, even small teenagers.
• Walk in groups.
• Carry a long dingo safety stick when outside a fenced area.
• Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a dingo’s instinct to chase.
• Camp in fenced areas, when possible.
• Secure all food, rubbish, fish and bait.
• Never store food or food containers in tents.
• Don’t take food or drink (except water) to the lakeshores.

The following communication resources can be used to help visitors understand dingo safety do’s and don’ts.

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Going to K’gari? Time to brush up on your dingo do’s and don’ts

• Always carry a dingo safety stick, to deter dingoes and keep them at a distance.
• Always keep kids within arm’s reach, in case a dingo appears.
• Camp in fenced campgrounds, surrounded by dingo-deterrent fences, and keep your campsite boring and unattractive to dingoes.
• Never run or jog outside fenced areas as it can attract a dingo’s attention and trigger their instinct to chase.
• Don’t be alone as this increases your chances of being threatened by a dingo.

Learn all the dingo safety tips at: www.qld.gov.au/BeDingoSafe

Winter: June to August is birthing time for pups

Dingo pups are learning to hunt on K’gari, which means:

• They are maturing and beginning to explore beyond their dens.
• Pups remain near their parents, but occasionally, are left in a secure location while the adults go hunting for food.
• It's important to note that they haven't been abandoned, their pack won’t be too far away! Do not interact with pups who may appear to be alone.
• If food from humans is available, pups may not learn natural hunting skills.

Make sure your trip is dingo-safe: visit www.qld.gov.au/BeDingoSafe

Summer: From December to February, pups learn pack rules and disperse

• Summertime on K’gari means dingo pups have grown into juveniles.
• They start learning pack rules: growling, howling, and showing aggressive behaviour to gain dominance over their siblings.
• This behaviour can also be directed at people, including young children, with an expected increase in human-dingo interactions.
• What may look like playful behaviour is often serious dominance-testing and can lead to aggression.
• Juveniles can quickly learn bad habits such as stealing food rather than learning natural hunting skills.

Make sure your trip is dingo-safe: visit www.qld.gov.au/BeDingoSafe

Autumn: March to May is dingo mating season

• March to May is dingo mating season on K’gari
• Adult males test their dominance, protect territories and expel intruders from other packs.
• Fights during mating season are a regular occurrence and some dingoes may also try to dominate humans by snarling, nipping or biting.
• The risk of a negative human-dingo interaction is greatest at this time.

Make sure your trip is dingo-safe: visit www.qld.gov.au/BeDingoSafe

Dingoes are wild and unpredictable. Always keep kids within arm’s reach