Dingo or wild dog?
The terms dingo and wild dog are often used interchangeably. For management purposes in Western Australia, both are classified as Canis familiaris.
Recognised as native fauna, these animals hold important cultural and environmental significance. They are also managed as a declared pest due to the impacts they can have on people, livestock, pets and wildlife.
These animals know no boundaries and can travel long distances, with some dispersing more than 100 km in search of food, mates and new territories. Conservation is prioritised in areas like Murujuga National Park and Karijini National Park, while control measures may be required in other areas.
Increased activity
When to be ready?
Wild dog sightings & interactions can happen at anytime, though activity typically increases between March and August due to breeding and pup-rearing.
What can you do to help?
Reducing access to water
Water should not be left readily accessible where possible. In the Pilbara, water can be a significant attractant.
Ensure taps, hoses and other water sources are not left running unnecessarily. Reducing access to water can help discourage wild dogs from frequenting an area.
Never Feed Animals
They are naturally lean and are very capable of finding their own food. Feeding them might encourage frequent visits to areas inhabited by humans, including tents and houses etc. When they have easy access to a readily available food source, they can display aggressive behaviour and become dangerous. Feeding wild dogs is unnecessary, unkind and unsafe.
Food, fishing waste and rubbish should be well secured to avoid attracting the animals. They are always on the prowl for food and will chew through or tear into anything. Use hard plastic or metal containers with firmly closed lids. Take all rubbish home with you.
What to do if you see a wild dog?
Keep Kids Close
Wild dogs can move quickly and can appear as if from nowhere. Always supervise children, keeping them within arm’s reach. Wild dogs can also be a threat to pets, so we recommend always keeping dogs on a secure leash.
Don’t Run
If you’re confronted by a wild dog, don’t run - this can excite them and they may try to catch you which can lead to bites. Stay calm, face the dingo and calmly move away to a safe area. Call loudly for help but avoid waving your arms or feet at them.
Report it
Please report all sightings and interactions with wild dogs on public property when it is safe to do so. For urgent matters requiring an immediate Ranger response, call the City anytime on (08) 9186 8555. For non-urgent sightings, submit a report through Report It!
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