Living with dingoes

Dingoes are attracted to homes and towns due to their curiosity and availability of food and water.

In urban areas, they often mix with domestic dogs , which changes their natural behaviour and characteristics. This contact with dogs can also lead to the spread of diseases and parasites.

Dingoes can become a nuisance in urban areas by preying on domestic animals and causing disturbances, especially during breeding season. If fed or encouraged, they can create issues in tourist areas.

For more information about their characteristics and ecological role, read about dingoes and wild dogs.

Avoid dingo problems

As dingoes are protected, you should not interfere with them without a permit to take or interfere with wildlife.

If there are dingoes in your area you should:

• never treat a dingo like a domestic dog - dingoes are wild and can be unpredictable or aggressive
• never feed wildlife as this will attract dingoes to humans
• build dog-proof fences, aviaries, fowl yards and other small pet cages to protect your home and animals
• restrict movement of your dog or cat, especially at night.

Visiting dingo habitats

When you visit a dingo habitat you should:

• always read and obey warning signs
• supervise small children at all times
• never dump food waste or rubbish as this may attract dingoes to the area
• never interfere with, feed or harass dingoes, as they can be dangerous
• be careful at night and during breeding season when dingoes are most active
• avoid travelling with pets and ensure dogs are kept securely confined, as they may attract dingoes to the area
• never release unwanted dogs in the bush.

Report

Find out how to report dingoes or wild dogs.