Pesky Australian camels turn on taps

Thirsty Northern Territory camels have acquired the knack of turning on taps.

The dry desert heat can make anyone thirsty, but the marauding pests - who some estimate now roam the outback in their millions, are causing havoc in their pursuit of a drink.

"If there are any taps adjacent to houses they're quite capable of either turning the taps on or knocking the taps off so they get water," said Wayne Wright, from Central Australia's MacDonnell Shire Council.

The council is seeking A$4.5 million ($5.57 million) from the federal Government to build camel-proof boundaries in the form of cattle grids.