3 days ago
Photo reveals dangerous camping mistake on popular Aussie holiday island
Photographs taken on the sandy beaches of one of Australia's most popular holiday spots reveal a dangerous camping problem that's putting tourists at risk. Taken during 2024 and 2025, by Queensland rangers, they show several tents ransacked by dingoes searching for food.
In one image, boxes of Jatz crackers, Arnott's Shapes and Assorted Creams, and an open tub of margarine can be seen strewn across the ground. Another taken inside a tent shows food spread across the floor and instant noodles and other snacks in easy reach of dingoes.
The problem isn't being caused by the animals themselves, which are native to K'gari and natural scavengers. They're being accidentally lured into tents because campers are failing to properly secure their food.
The Department of Environment and Tourism's Dr Linda Behrendorff explained dingoes are 'opportunistic by nature' and will tear open tents, break eskies open and knock over bins in search of an easy meal.
'Wildlife scavenging around camping areas is a common occurrence, and the problem with leaving food or rubbish where dingoes or other wildlife can get it makes them less fearful of humans,' she said.
'Dingoes don't differentiate between food and rubbish, and they can start approaching people for food which puts dingoes and people at risk.'
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Once dingoes lose their fear of humans, they can become a danger. And sadly if they attack and are considered a danger, this can result in the animals being euthanised.
Behrendorff has dispelled the myth that food was inaccessible in fenced camping areas, and said it needed to be kept in strong boxes inside a vehicle cabin or on the back of a ute.
'A tent or annexe is not a secure place, and dingoes have also taken people's belongings such as clothing, toiletries or shoes that carry the smell of food,' she added.
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