Umbrellas may be "useful shield" against Australia's feral dogs

Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-23 12:12:15|Editor: Yamei
Video PlayerClose

SYDNEY, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- An umbrella could be one of the best forms of protection against Australia's dingo feral dog on its southeastern Fraser Island tourist spot, according to a latest research.

The island, off Queensland state, offers a "rare opportunity" to observe the wild dog native to Australia but the encounters can occasionally "entail dingoes acting in a threatening or aggressive manner towards people, resulting in human injury and, in one tragic case, death," according to a research paper published on Thursday in the Pacific Conservation Biology scientific journal.

Reviewing a wide range of measures to help manage wild animals, the researchers said moves to minimize harm from dingoes have included electric fencing and warning signage but "sturdy umbrellas" and "mild chemical irritant sprays" could also offer personal protection.

Australian dingoes, which feature prominently in native culture but are also viewed as a threat to livestock in some areas, are listed as a "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature conservation group.

The medium-sized dogs have broad heads, pointed muzzles, and red to yellow coats, and are found across the country except Tasmania, according to government tourism agency Tourism Australia.

Fraser Island, which boasts attractions such as "superb scenery" and humpback whales, is also home to "the most pure strain of dingoes remaining in eastern Australia," it said.

Citing instances of how an umbrella "rapidly opened in front of charging bears was sufficient to cause them to halt or retreat," the researchers said an "open, sturdy umbrella may also serve as a useful shield against a dingo making a very close approach."

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011103261367738951