Source: Government of Queensland
Issued: 21 Oct 2024
Rangers on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) are monitoring a male dingo (wongari) believed responsible for biting a female tourist around the thigh on 20 October 2024.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers were advised of the incident which occurred at around 8:00am at Beach Camping Zone 6 on the east coast of the island.
Rangers were told that a group of international tourists arrived on the beach, and that nearby campers warned them of a dingo in the area.
The dingo approached the woman while she was going to the toilet alone. She wasn’t carrying a stick and started to run as it approached her. The dingo gave chase and bit her on the left rear thigh resulting in two puncture wounds. Campers nearby overheard and chased the dingo away.
Rangers are investigating the incident and will continue patrols in the area and provide Be dingo-safe! messaging to fishers and campers.
Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded to remain vigilant at all times by keeping children at arm’s length, never walking alone and carrying a stick at all times.
Negative dingo encounters should immediately be reported to a QPWS ranger by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au
Visitors to K’gari are reminded to ‘Be dingo-safe!’ at all times:
- Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
- Always walk in groups and carry a stick.
- Camp in fenced areas where possible
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
- Never feed dingoes
- 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.
For more information go to K’gari dingoes