Invasive threat taking over camping spot on pristine Aussie tourist island: 'Out of control'
Bribie Island is a popular camping spot but some unwanted visitors are creating mayhem.
A popular Aussie tourist island has become home to a "serious environmental threat" authorities are warning tourists to watch out for when visiting. Queensland's Bribie Island National Park, just north of Brisbane, is home to many Aussie wildlife and is a perfect place for 4WD enthusiasts to pitch a tent and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
While feral pigs are not a new problem, tourists to the island are increasingly reporting run-ins with them — many suggesting the problem is only getting worse and the animals are becoming more and more brazen — going as far as to steal food from unwitting campers.
A Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DESI) spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia visitors are advised to be "cautious" around feral pigs.
"They can be dangerous, and also can carry diseases," a DESI spokesperson told Yahoo. "Visitor safety is our top priority. Park visitors play a crucial role in supporting this effort and are kindly reminded to securely store their food and rubbish, as this simple action helps prevent attracting pigs and worsening the issue."
How did feral pigs get to Bribie Island?
Feral pigs are considered one of Australia’s most destructive invasive species with prolific populations in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. DESI told Yahoo feral pigs have been recorded on the island as far back as the 1960s.
"It’s not known if they were deliberately introduced to the island. Rangers have seen pigs swimming across the Pumicestone Passage (separating the island from the mainland), so it's possible pigs arrived on the island without human help," they said.
Due to the island's thick vegetation and topography, it's difficult to estimate the population of feral pigs in the national park — but visitors report the problem is getting worse.
"Densely vegetated swamps are largely inaccessible, and spotting pigs from the air is ineffective due to the thick vegetation," said a DESI spokesperson. "Feral pigs are a serious environmental threat — they spread diseases and pathogens, trample vegetation, damage wetlands, eat roots and tubers, and prey on a wide range of wildlife."
DESI is working hard to help curb the problem, including conducting an annual pest control program in order to "minimise" their impact.
"This program will involve targeted activities around campsites including Ocean Beach. We also work closely with other agencies and neighbours to control feral pigs on the island."
Campers report run-ins with feral pigs on popular island
Campers on Bribie Island have reported multiple run-ins with feral pigs on 4WD tracks and even witnessed the animals knock over eskies and steal food like chocolate and eggs.
"They have been getting worse over the years I have been going up there," said one disgruntled visitor online.
"All these wet years since the fires have made perfect conditions for all the ferals that invade the national park,' said another.
"They are getting out of control," added another.
Another believed that they are getting used to humans.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
