Dingo (Wongari) Seasonal Information - Whelping Season
- Category:
- Other
- Applies:
- 1 June to 30 November 2023
- Published:
- 20 December 2021 4:45am
- Updated:
- 4 September 2023 12:06pm
- ID:
- 21572
This alert applies to the following parks:
- K'gari, Great Sandy National ParkFraser Coast
- K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) Great WalkFraser Coast
Limiting dingo-human interaction, particularly during wongari (dingo) whelping season, is critical to the welfare of pups. This is a particularly important time for pups to learn natural hunting and survival skills and to avoid habituation towards people.
Wongari (Dingo) whelping season means:
- Wongari (Dingo) pups will venture out of their dens and explore their surroundings
- Adult wongari (dingoes) will be teaching their young natural hunting and survival skills
- Wongari (Dingoes) may be determined and aggressive in their search for food
- Females will aggressively defend their young
- Female wongari (dingoes) that are feeding young can lose condition and become naturally lean during this time
Visitors, tour operators and residents are advised to be dingo-safe! on K’gari. It is recommended that families with young children camp in fenced QPWS camping areas at Lake Boomanjin, Central Station, Dundubara and Waddy Point and eastern beach fenced areas (Wongai, One Tree Rocks, Cornwells, Eli), or at fenced private camping areas at Dilli Village or Cathedral Beach.
Be dingo-safe! Visit https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/kgari-fraser/about/wongari-dingoes/dingo-safe
- NEVER feed dingoes.
- Always stay within arm’s reach of children, even small teenagers.
- Walk in groups and carry a stick.
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction.
- Camp in fenced areas when possible.
- Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
- Never store food or food containers in tents.
- No food to lakeshores.
Report dingo encounters – email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au, tell the nearest QPWS ranger, or phone (07) 4127 9150 – mobile phone charges may apply. Take note of location, vehicle registration, dingo ear tag colour, number and which ear.
For further information about wongari (dingoes) on K’gari (Fraser Island) please visit https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/kgari-fraser/about/wongari-dingoes
Please monitor park alerts on the department's website for updated information.
Please visit this park's page on the department's website for more park safety information.
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