Source: Government of Queensland
Issued: 26 Jan 2025
Visitors to K’gari are strongly urged to heed Be dingo-safe! messaging following two bite incidents reported this long weekend.
On Sunday 26 January 2025, a dingo bit a two-year-old on the leg at Lake McKenzie (Boorangaroo) resulting in a superficial injury.
The dingo encountered the child in the carpark. Rangers were onsite to provide basic first-aid care and advice.
Yesterday the department was also notified of an incident that occurred on Saturday 18 January 2025, also at Lake McKenzie.
A woman was bitten on the leg by a dingo after trying to stop the animal from taking her bag, resulting in a superficial injury.
Senior Ranger Dr Linda Behrendorff is reminding people of the importance of carrying a dingo stick and keeping children close.
“Some dingoes will target children because they are seen as the weaker links of the pack. This is why it is so important to keep children within arm’s reach,” Dr Behrendorff said.
“We have increased our ranger patrols during this busy long weekend period, but urge people to remain vigilant, particularly parents with young children.
“Visitors must not be complacent. People need to understand their risk when travelling to K’gari. Our message is simple: Be dingo-safe!”
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating these incidents to determine next steps.
Report any concerning dingo encounters by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au
Simple ways to Be dingo-safe! these holidays:
- Always stay within arm’s reach of children and young teenagers
- Always walk in groups and carry a stick
- Never feed dingoes
- K’gari’s environment provides plenty of food for dingoes, and they do not need to be fed
- Camp in fenced areas where possible
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
- Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
- Never store food or food containers in tents, and
- Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
View more information on K’gari dingoes.