Photos expose major problem caused by common fishing mistake in national park

A handful of common mistakes by visitors to one of Australia’s hottest fishing spots are causing a massive problem for resident animals that hunt along the coastline.

While most of the thousands of fishers who visit Queensland’s K’gari National Park (formerly Fraser Island) every year do the right thing, some are simply ignoring their responsibilities and this is drawing attention from dingoes seeking out an easy feed.

Dozens of photos supplied to Yahoo News show multiple dingoes encroaching on anglers over the last two months, and this is resulting in the animals getting caught in fishing gear.

Rangers have reported a surge in cases over that same period, prompting the Department of Environment (DESI) to issue a warning about the issue for the first time.

Related: Disturbing find inside massive Australian pelican: 'They will ingest almost anything'

What are the common oversights by anglers visiting K'gari?

The first problem is that fishers aren’t properly burying unused bait and fish frames, and this is drawing attention from dingoes scavenging for a meal.

The second issue is dingoes are being tolerated around fishing camps. And this quickly results in the animals getting cocky and stealing food.

Senior Ranger Dr Linda Behrendorff has observed that dingoes are “extremely intelligent and curious” and will expectantly approach anglers for food or even chase after a catch as it is reeled in.

“During our patrols of the island, we have observed fishers ignoring dingoes that are hanging around them or their cars,” Behrendorff said.

“Those dingoes have the potential to become habituated and we really need fishers to move those dingoes on by pointing and yelling 'get away'.”

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How are dingoes helped after they swallow hooks?

The third problem behaviour is creating a massive issue for the dingoes themselves, and that’s not removing hooks from bait. It’s also a nuisance for rangers because once a dingo swallows a hook, they need to be blow-darted with a sedative so they can receive medical treatment.

Pictures show dingoes with hooks caught in their mouths, ribs and paws. Native birds like pelicans are also being impacted.

“When the dingoes bite for the bait, they are getting a hook stuck in their lips or jaws,” Behrendorff said.

“Rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are having to track and sedate dingoes to remove hooks, lures and fishing line. These wounds are often infected and require thorough cleaning with antiseptic liquid. The dingoes can also tear out hooks and lures themselves, which leaves them at risk of worse injuries.”

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