A mystery dog, likened to a dingo, has been sighted on a popular mountain track.
Walkers along the Mount Coolum summit track spotted the animal last week.
A post to a Facebook group with images of the animal raised questions as to what type of dog it was, and what collar was wearing.
There was some discussion, due to its size and shape, it could be a dingo with a tracking collar.
Others thought it was a domestic dog that wandered from a nearby home.
The woman who posted the images to social media told Sunshine Coast News the animal seemed disinterested in the other walkers.
“Initially it didn’t occur to me that this dog could be a wild dingo, as he was so close to walkers,” the woman said.
“I am thinking it’s more likely that the dog is owned by someone.”
According to the Department of Environment and Science (DES), dingoes are found across Australia and favour edges of forests next to grasslands.
However DES has confirmed to Sunshine Coast News the animal was not a dingo.
A statement said rangers believe it was a domestic dog with a Garmin tracker as a collar.
The department is reminding locals and visitors that the Mount Coolum National Park prohibits dogs and domestic pets.
“The purpose of national parks is to provide a much-needed refuge for native plants and animals,” the department said.
“While dogs and other pets may be a valued part of a family, they’re a real threat to our native animals.
“On-the-spot fines apply if you are found to have pets with you in a national park.”
More information on dogs in parks can be found here.
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