Safety and feral animals
Feral pigs
Feral pigs occur throughout Queensland, including on large islands such as Moreton Island.
Feral pigs can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River fever. They have also been known to chase and attack people. If you see a feral pig, stay away from it.
Feral pigs can be a traffic hazard on roads. Stay alert and drive with care through Queensland national parks and forests.
To discourage feral pigs from campsites, please make sure that you:
- Never feed feral pigs as it encourages them to hang around campsites.
- Keep food in strong lockable containers. Feral pigs will eat anything, including bread and biscuits.
- Keep bait in sealed containers and bury fish offal below the high tide mark to a depth of 50cm.
- Pack away rubbish in secure containers. Feral pigs will find and scatter rubbish left around camps.
- Keep your campsite tidy. This makes it uninviting for feral pigs.
Feral cattle, horses, deer and buffalo
Feral cattle, horses and deer may be seen in many areas of Queensland. Water buffalo are occasionally seen in the Gulf country of northern Queensland.
Feral cattle and horses may trample campsites, injuring people and damaging equipment. Buffalo and cattle have been known to attack people. If you see feral cattle or buffalo in national or conservation parks, stay well away.
Feral cattle, horses and deer can be a traffic hazard on roads. Stay alert and drive with care through Queensland national parks and forests.