Second dingo attack in a week sparks patrol increase on K’gari

Two children have been treated for dingo bites at Lake McKenzie on K’gari in separate incidents. It’s the fourth dingo attack recorded on the island in a matter of days.

Des Houghton pic of fraser island dingo

Two children have been bitten by a dingo at Lake McKenzie on K’gari within a matter of days.

The latest incident happened on Sunday a dingo bit a two-year-old girl on the leg at Lake McKenzie resulting in a superficial injury to her leg.

The dingo encountered the child in the carpark.

Rangers were onsite to provide basic first-aid care and advice.

The child later received treated at K’gari Beach Resort at Eurong.

A four-year-old child was bitten by a tagged female dingo at K’gari’s Lake McKenzie on Thursday.

A dingo on K’gari. Picture: Liam Kidston

The attack at the iconic tourist attraction happened while the girl and her 12-year-old sibling were swimming in shallow water.

According to Queensland Parks and Wildlife, the dingo reportedly charged the pair, biting the younger child on the left shoulder.

Despite the child’s mother quickly intervening and their father chasing the dingo away, the animal continued to linger near the family.

Senior Ranger Linda Behrendorff reiterated the need for visitors to exercise caution and adhere to safety measures when visiting the island.

“Dingoes are apex predators, and they will have a go and hunt if they feel someone has strayed from the pack,” Dr. Behrendorff said in a statement.

“This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of carrying a dingo stick which works as a deterrent.

“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,” she said.

A dingo on Fraser Island.

“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.”

QPWS has increased patrols and signage in the area and is working to identify the dingo involved.

The latest attack comes just days after a similar incident on Saturday, January 18, when a three-year-old child was bitten on the back of the leg by a tagged dingo on the beach near Kingfisher Bay.

Despite the parents’ attempts to scare the dingo away, it was undeterred.

On Saturday the department was also notified of an incident that also occurred on January 18, 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.

On Thursday, December 19 two dingoes charged at a woman at Lake Mackenzie.

Dingo danger signs at Waddy Point, K’gari. Picture: Liam Kidston

Rangers are reminding visitors to stay within arm’s reach of children and camp in fenced areas where possible.

QPWS has urged visitors to remain vigilant and follow their Be dingo-safe! guidelines, which include:

• 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.
• Reports of dingo sightings or concerning encounters can be made by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing [e-mail].

Originally published as Second dingo attack in a week sparks patrol increase on K’gari