Dingo attack sparks K’gari warning as Easter school holidays begin

A week after three women were attacked by a dingo on K’gari, a warning has been issued for visitors to the island.

A week after three women were attacked by a dingo on K’gari, a warning has been issued as the Easter school holidays begin.

A week after three women were attacked by a dingo on K’gari, a warning has been issued as the Easter school holidays begin.

Emergency services were called to K’gari about 2.30pm on April 1 after reports three women, aged in their 20s, were bitten by dingoes.

It is not known how many dingoes were involved in the incident, nor where the exact location of the incident occurred.

In the wake of the incident, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation issued a statement encouraging visitors to always carry a dingo safety stick, avoid walking alone, refrain from running and ensure that children were always close.

Ranger in charge Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes could be anywhere at any time and people can’t be complacent.

“Holiday periods are always busy on K’gari, and residents and visitors should be thinking about our safety messages at all times, Dr Behrendorff said.

“There have been 28 high risk incidents on the island this year, and we want to get through this holiday period without any further interactions.

“Dingoes should never be fed or approached for photos, and if they’re lingering around camping areas they should be deterred through making assertive and loud noises.

“Fishers should never let dingoes get access to discarded bait, and fish frames should be buried at half a metre deep.

“Throwing one piece of bait or unwanted sausage can instantly change the behaviour of a dingo, and that can lead to changes in behaviour of a dingo pack.

“Human intervention through deliberate or inadvertent feeding of dingoes or by approaching them for selfies is unlawful and can lead to negative interactions.”