Tourists bitten by dingoes in two separate attacks on K’gari

Two tourists have been bitten by dingoes – one of them tagged – in two separate incidents on K’gari.

Two tourists have been bitten by dingoes in two separate incidents on K’gari.

In the first incident, an 18-year-old woman was bitten on the back of her leg by a tagged dingo as she made her way to Lake Wabby about 3pm on Saturday.

In the second, a person was reportedly mouthed or nipped by a dingo on the beachfront near Dilli Village, about 8pm.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed both people two people were part of tour groups.

The woman bitten near Lake Wabby has been treated for puncture wounds around her left knee, while it is unclear what injuries were sustained by the second person.

On Sunday morning Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers were attempting to make contact with the people involved in the incidents and attempt to identify both dingoes involved.

Dangerous dingo signs have been installed this morning at Lake Wabby entrance, and rangers will increase patrols in the areas.

The dingo, known as Yellow Tag, was the subject of petitions and outcry demanding that the collar, which was fitted in July, 2019, be removed.

Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded to remain vigilant at all times as we move into the dingo breeding season, and children must be kept under constant supervision.

A QPWS statement said the service carries out constant education and compliance activities on K’gari.

They said rangers maintain fences at multiple camping areas around the Orchid Beach township, conduct daily patrols of the island and respond to human-dingo interactions on a case-case basis.

“The Queensland Government is investing an additional $2 million in funding this financial year and an additional $3 million annually ongoing to expand our proactive Be dingo-safe! messaging and support 13 new positions dedicated to dingo conservation and management,” they added.

“The Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy was reviewed in 2020 by the Queensland Chief Scientist, with the assistance of an expert panel, and was found to be comprehensive and effective.”

Anyone with information about these incidents and other negative interactions is encouraged to contact QPWS rangers.

Negative dingo encounters should immediately be reported to a QPWS ranger by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing [e-mail]