Why are dingoes are attacking campers on Fraser Island? | ABC News

Rangers on Fraser Island are cracking down on people feeding dingoes in the wake of a series of attacks on children.
They’ve been forced to close several campgrounds as a small minority of visitors to the island flout strict rules that come with fines as high as $10,000.

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Washing is being torn from clotheslines as packs of dingoes circle camp sites — the latest proof the wild dogs are growing more accustomed to humans on Fraser Island (K'Gari).

Breeding season for dingoes is between March and May on the World Heritage-listed sand island, meaning the animals are at their most aggressive as they move about looking for mates.

An increase in close encounters with residents and visitors and the continued feeding of the wild animals has prompted Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers to close six campgrounds until at least June.

Ranger-in-charge Linda Behrendorff said feeding the animals has led to high-risk situations where people have been bitten, sometimes through no fault of their own.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Clinton Gage's death on the island.

The nine-year-old was attacked and killed by two dingoes while walking near a sand blow at Waddy Point in 2001.

Fencing has been increased around camping areas in the two decades since Clinton's death, but the recent spike in aggressive behaviour has caused renewed debate about balancing the safety of both humans and dingoes.

The Department of Environment and Science said there were on-the-spot fines of $2,088 with a maximum penalty of $10,444 for feeding or disturbing dingoes.

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