Sightings of wild dogs in the Cowra region should ring alarm bells for local farmers and shouldn't be ignored, according to Central Tablelands Local Land Services.
"We've received several reports of wild dogs spotted along the ranges west of Cowra and further East towards Woodstock, which is very unusual in this area," said Local Land Services Senior Biosecurity Officer, Kellie Arnall.
Landholders have also heard wild dogs howling at night, and dogs have been sighted and recorded on trail cameras in the vicinity of the Nangar National Park, and towards Gooloogong.
Farmers are urged to be alert for wild dog activity and to report sightings and information to Central Tablelands Local Land Services.
"Prime lamb country on the river flats and country surrounded by ridges and drainage lines, offering shelter and an easy food source, would be perfect habitat for wild dogs."
"Cowra doesn't have a significant wild dog problem yet, and if we act quickly, we can jump on this issue before it gets out of control," warned Ms Arnall.
Wild dogs pose a serious threat to livestock in many parts of NSW and can cause significant economic damage and emotional impact for landholders. Sheep are often mauled and killed in attacks, and wild dogs are known to pull down calves, weaners, adult cattle, and even horses.
Native wildlife are the primary prey for wild dogs, including rare and endangered species.Lifestyle landholders are reminded, that like commercial farmers, even if they don't run livestock, they are still responsible for managing their country to control the impact of wild dogs and other pest animals.
Wildlife monitoring indicates summer bushfires that destroyed large areas of habitat in the eastern ranges of the Central Tablelands, have prompted dogs to search for new hunting grounds outside of their former territory.
Reporting sightings will help to define the areas where further monitoring needs to be carried out, and Local Land Services will work with landholders to plan and implement wild dog management strategies where necessary.
"Being proactive now is critical, given what we've seen happen in other areas where the dog problem is increasingly difficult to control," said Ms Arnall.
"Wild dog activity is most likely to occur around dusk and dawn, and dogs will also do some hunting during the night,"
"If you have any suspicions of livestock losses or attacks, please spread the word to your neighbours and give us a call at Local Land Services to discuss monitoring and control options now, before wild dogs become established in the Cowra region."
