The recent, very sad news of a Canadian teenager on K’gari (Fraser Island, Queensland in Australia) found deceased on January 19th and the dingoes that may or may not have been involved is a tragedy for the family, and also for the wildlife-human interactions. This mistaken case of ‘dingoes attacking a person’ has caused a confused mess, so here I wish to provide some much-needed clarifications.
Here are the facts:
- The body of Piper James, 19, was found on Seventy Five Mile Beach on K’gari (Fraser Island), just after 5am last Monday. Friends of Ms James have revealed she had told them she was going for a swim about 5am that same morning.Two passers-by discovered Ms James’ body an hour later, surrounded by a pack of dingoes.A preliminary assessment indicated the dingo bites found on her body were most likely sustained after her death.
- The Queensland State Government made this statement:This tragedy has deeply affected Queenslanders and touched the hearts of people around the world. I have been kept briefed by my Department throughout this incident. The Department has made the decision that all dingoes involved in the incident will be removed and humanely euthanised. This is a tough decision but I believe it’s the right call in the public interest. K’gari Fraser Island remains open, and we are supporting our tourism operators as they continue to showcase the Fraser Coast as an incredible place to visit. {my highlighting}
- The state government’s decision on what to do with the pack of dingoes found surrounding the body of a teen Canadian tourist has angered traditional owners. I news website)
The advice about dingoes
From the National Park website:
1. Do keep kids within arm’s reach
Dingoes may be closer than you think, and they move quickly. Children cannot be relied upon to know or remember what to do if threatened by dingoes. Stay very close—within arm’s reach—of your children and teenagers to reduce your risk of a dingo testing their dominance with your family.
2. Do carry a safety stick
Always carry a dingo safety stick when walking outside of fenced areas. It’s a simple yet effective tool to deter dingoes from coming too close. If a dingo approaches, holding the stick out in front of you can help maintain distance. Any object that is long and sturdy can be used as a safety stick, such as a hiking pole, umbrella, fishing rod, or a length of bamboo or conduit.
Dingoes are a protected species. Safety sticks should not be used to harm or provoke them. Fines of up to $27,538 are in place for those who disturb or harm dingoes on K’gari. Remember, part of visiting the island is respectfully coexisting with its wildlife.
Learn more about dingo safety sticks, including how to use them properly and where to find them on K’gari if you don’t have one.
3. Do keep your distance from dingoes
Stay at least four car lengths (20 metres) away from dingoes.
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Commentary
What The Conversation website has stated:
After the tragic death of Canadian backpacker Piper James on K’gari (Fraser Island) on January 19, a coroner found the 19–year–old had been bitten by dingoes while she was still alive, but the most likely cause of death was drowning. Days later, the Queensland government announced it would cull the entire pack of ten dingoes seen near where Piper’s body was found. Most of those animals have now been killed. Authorities justified the targeted cull on “public safety” grounds, while also signalling a strong desire to keep tourism moving. Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell reassured tourism operators “the island is open” and urged people to continue to visit. The cull took place without the knowledge or approval of the Butchulla people, the Traditional Owners of K’Gari. James’ parents also publicly opposed a cull, saying it was “the last thing” their nature-loving daughter would have wanted. There has been backlash from scientific experts, as well as the public.
So, does killing dingoes actually make K’gari safer for people?
Very mixed messages are being sent out from this case…..
