Co-existence between humans and wildlife is more than drawing a line in the sand

The number of dingo-related incidents on K’gari (Fraser Island) are on the rise. In the last few months, a seven-year-old boy and a 42-year-old woman were bitten, and in June a 10-year-old boy was attacked and dragged under water. This week, a 23-year-old woman was mauled by four dingoes as she jogged along Orchid beach.

Each incident has sparked another round of public discussion about how to handle the delicate relationship between wild, carnivorous animals and the general public.

AnimalCare spoke with Dr Ben Pitcher, behavioural biologist at Taronga Conservation Society Australia about the reasons behind the escalating clash between humans and dingoes, and what the possible solution to avoiding further attacks may be.

"Wild animal attacks on humans are rare but as our lives merge with wildlife habitat, and we continue to camp and interact with them (as is happening on K’gari) without fully understanding the risks, the more incidents are likely to occur," says Dr Pitcher.

The question is – are we, as humans, paying enough attention and respect to our wild neighbours and taking enough steps to prevent conflict?

Dr Pitcher likens co-existence among humans and wildlife to a line drawn in the sand.

“It’s great to see people wanting to get out and enjoy nature; and to see dingoes in the wild is an amazing experience – until a conflict arises. Then we draw the line and expect animals to stay on their side. Unfortunately, animals don't recognise the boundaries.

“Dingoes are incredibly intelligent, top-order predators with a very diverse diet,” adds Dr Pitcher. “This makes them highly adept at learning and adapting to situations. They have learnt human behaviour, and that tents, coolers and people mean there are good things to be had. And the more habituated they become, and the more frequently they are fed or scavenge human leftovers, the more likely it is that they lose all caution – even reacting aggressively if they perceive themselves to be in conflict with the human.

“They don't know that they're 'encroaching' on our side of the line. And if ‘our’ environment enables them to survive and reproduce, they'll keep coming.

“The likelihood of wild dog attacks on humans depends to a large degree on how humans behave toward them,” he adds.

“Unfortunately, what one person may believe is a benign or even a positive experience with a dingo – such as being in close proximity or trying to feed them – could lead to a very different experience for the next person. Someone entirely innocent, or even a child.

“As scientists, we are not simply on the side of the animal,” adds Dr Pitcher. “We do, however, urge the public to recognise and respect that they are in the privileged position of being able to witness wild Australian predators at relatively close quarters. These animals need to be respected. And as humans, it is our responsibility to keep all parties safe.”

This leads to a number of important questions: What should be done to prevent more dingo attacks on K’gari? Should there be a cap on the number of tourists visiting the island – should they be there at all? Should people be allowed to camp outside the safe, dingo-proof zones or should there be exclusion zones?

Queensland Parks and Wildlife officer Linda Behrendorff says humans have become more brazen with dingoes and are putting themselves and the animals at risk.

“Social media, selfies, Facebook, get a photo with that animal, put that animal in a position that it will get into trouble, drop food from the car window so it comes to me, chasing the animal around to get the photo I want. That’s some of the stuff we are dealing with,” she said.

While the most recent attack was not as a direct result of provocation, Ms Behrendorff urged visitors to take responsibility for their behaviour, and to know the risks - particularly those coming to the island with children.

“Dingoes are wild animals, and the behaviour they are displaying is not abnormal; as with most canine predators, they approach and attack as a pack. Clearly their resemblance to our canine friends is part of the problem, but it needs to be remembered that they are wild animals – people would not be so complacent if they were lions or bears.

Are tourists to blame?

Tessa Waia is the ranger and community engagement officer at Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC). BAC represent the Native Title interests of the Butchulla people, who are the Traditional Owners of K'gari.

She has expressed her frustration about visitors not complying with the safety information regarding dingoes (wongaris) time and time again.

"[The warnings] are everywhere,” said Ms Waia. “There are flyers and leaflets available, we've got signs right across the island and the operators who drive tour busses all talk about it. We also have rangers.

"The wongari safety messages clearly state to keep children within arm's reach, don't walk alone - walk in groups, don't run or jog because you can get a negative reaction from the wongaris.

"The visitors don’t take the warnings seriously. We say you can't take food and drinks out near the water holes, and you still see people cooking and having a barbeque," Ms Waia said.

“It is time that people are more accountable for their actions – wongaris should not be sacrificed for human error or inciting interaction.”

Is there a solution?

Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said that a review would explore ways to improve public safety and the state government's partnership with Traditional Owners.

"Management of dingoes on K'gari is complex, and the government is committed to supporting a sustainable and healthy dingo population, while minimising the risks to human safety and dingo welfare," Ms Enoch said.

Unfortunately, one of the dogs involved in the most recent attack has now been destroyed – the second in as many months. It's a development that will distress many, and it's obviously not a long-term solution. But it's clear there is now an urgent need to get closer to finding one.

“Ultimately, the change needs to come from people,” concludes Dr Pitcher. “Wild animals will be wild animals, and we need to find ways to co-exist safely. Just as society now make better decisions around crocodile-infested areas and see sharks as a sign of a healthy marine environment, we need to respect that dingoes are apex-predators that have a unique and important role to play in Australia’s eco-system.”