DINGO SAFETY
Dingoes resemble dogs in appearance. Their small size and aloof behaviour may give many people a false sense of security that wild dingoes are not dangerous. We must remember that wild dingoes are wild predators capable of catching adult kangaroos when hunting in a pack.
Dingoes are naturally wary of people. But as they become conditioned to people through constant feeding, they lose that fear. If a dingo is close to a person and happens to demonstrate antagonistic behaviour, the person may become scared and run away. This will trigger a chase response in the dingo and may result in an attack.
When holidaying or camping in or around wild dingo territory
- remember that dingoes are wild animals and can be unpredictable;
- always supervise children; children should not be left alone with a wild predator;
- never feed or encourage dingoes to come close;
- store food and food waste in a lockable area;
- if feeling threatened, stay calm; do not run away or wave your arms; back away slowly and call for help.
