The problem has intensified in recent months with authorities considering extending the trapping to Booti Booti National Park.

One dog was reported to have circled and snarled at a lone walker on Hawks Nest Beach.

“It’s only a matter of time before somebody gets attacked by these dogs. They’ve lost all fear and will stand up to us now,” Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority local ranger Laurie Mullen said.

“That’s why we are responding quickly and the National Parks and Wildlife Service has come on board (allowing trapping in the park) to protect their neighbours,” he added.

But for one set of Wallingat National Park neighbours the trapping hasn’t come soon enough. Coomba Bay couple Hans and Sarina Mueller lost three of their six beloved alpacas in two separate attacks last week.

“It’s just so distressing and we can’t sleep now, waking at every sound, thinking they might be coming back,” Sarina said.

The couple initially purchased the animals as a business proposition but soon realised the investment required to make it viable was beyond them.

Like Mr Mullen, Sarina also believes it’s only a matter of time before humans are targeted by packs of feral dogs.

Mr Mullen confirms there have been several attacks in the area, with 40 sheep killed in the Coomba/Charlotte Bay area in the last three months, and two domestic dogs attacked (one was killed and the other badly mauled) at Charlotte Bay.

Those who witnessed the Charlotte Bay attack described the two dogs responsible – one with dingo-like markings and the other similar to a ridgeback cross.

But Mr Mullen believes there are a number of feral packs roaming the area and thinks a larger group were responsible for the recent alpaca deaths.

“It would take three or four dogs to take down an alpaca.”

Miriam VanLith has lost four lambs and two sheep (a special breed worth approximately $1500 each). She can no longer keep the animals on her property and is also concerned about the native wildlife.