Visitors getting close to dingoes despite spate of attacks
Tourists and visitors are still closely interacting with dingoes at K’gari despite the shocking number of attacks this year.
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Tourists and visitors are still closely interacting with dingoes on K’gari despite the shocking number of attacks this year.
The first of the attacks at K’gari, a six-year-old girl who was held underwater by a dingo in April, followed by an eight-year-old boy who was attacked while in his father’s arms and a French tourist who was bitten while sunbathing.
But on Monday – after the first attack by a pack of dingoes this year while a woman was on her morning jog – Facebook community groups have revealed people getting dangerously close to the native canines.
Although the island has numerous warning signs urging people to follow guidelines when it comes to dingo safety, people can be seen getting up close to the animals with cameras and even taking selfies with them to post on social media.
After the latest attack senior ranger Linda Behrendorff said dingoes were naturally curious and opportunistic and people needed to make sure they didn‘t put themselves into compromising situations.
And a number of social media users have shared their concern surrounding dingo attacks in the area.
User David Cross described the animals as “very brave” after his family’s stay on the island.
“Had to intervene in a couple of situations…. Rangers were very vocal in their reports and discussions over potential attacks. Two dogs inside the fenced areas during our time, with seven dogs total getting in recently,” he wrote.
“(Orchid Beach) One dog chased our son (8yrs) last evening whilst he was standing in the yard of our rental. Saw him and ran at him before running into me.
“Be vigilant, it’s no joke and the rangers appear quite concerned with this heightened activity.”
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