Dingo encounters on Fraser Island

By Bobbi Lee Hitchon // 25 April 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: adventure, dingo, wild life

Prior to visiting Fraser Island, many people advised me not to feed the dingoes. Seinfeld jokes aside, I planned to follow their directions and just admire dingoes, rather than my usual routine of making baby noises and calling cute animals puppy. But others can't seem to resist.

The only time dingoes become a problem is when they are too comfortable around people. They're not viscous beasts. In fact, they look and play like domestic dogs, but they are wild and can be aggressive. When people feed or play with dingoes, they grow accustomed to the attention and come back for more.

[Watch this video to see a dingo encounter during my trip to Fraser Island.]

The only problem is that most are visitors to Fraser Island. So while one group of island visitors may be keen to take in a dingo as a pet, another group may not. Unlike dogs, a dingo won't just go away when a new group refuses to feed or play with it. The animal may get mean and even bite.

If people don't receive this advice prior to visiting Fraser, they definitely do upon arrival. The island has signs posted throughout stating why people should not feed dingoes and what to do if they see one. Further, if fear of dingoes doesn't scare visitors, than a hefty fine might. The island fines people caught eating and/or playing with dingoes $A3,000.

It's a problem that can easily be avoided. Dingoes are beautiful animals and seeing one on the island is exciting. Most don't even get the chance to see a dingo. Those that do usually only get to see it from afar.

Follow the rules to keep your dingo encounter safe. Only eat in designated areas. If you see a dingo, do not feed or play with it. If it makes you nervous don't run as it may think you are playing with it or scared of it, therefore it's stronger than you. Clear any food and stand facing it with your arms crossed. Go back to back with someone else if there's more than one.

It's not an issue unless people make it one. Enjoy Fraser Island, but enjoy its wildlife from afar.

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Many special thanks to VIP Backpackers and All Seasons for being our gracious hosts throughout this trip!