The rampaging animals have torn up water mains and sewage pipes in the community of Docker River, and have even damaged airconditioners after being drawn to tiny pools of condensed water that had accumulated on the units.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reports residents are forced to remain indoors, becoming virtual prisoners in their own homes.

The Northern Territory government says it will drive the thirsty animals out of town with helicopters, then shoot them and allow their carcasses to decay in the desert.

Animal-rights groups have blasted the plan, saying the animals will suffer in agony if not killed immediately by the airborne sharpshooters.

Camels are not native to Australia, but explorers brought them into the country during the 1880s to help them venture across the desert.

After being released into the wild when rail and road travel become available, the camel population soared to the current population of nearly 1 million, making it the largest feral herd in the world.

The animals roam the Outback, where they damage fragile desert ecosystems and contaminate water sources.

Photos: Northern Territory Government