A dingo responsible for several serious incidents on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) has been humanely euthanised.
The tagged dingo had displayed increasingly dangerous behaviour, including two separate attacks in recent weeks on young children in the Hook Point area.
The most recent incident happened on Monday, when a man was bitten on the back of the leg at Hook Point.
Due to the escalation of the animal’s behaviour, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) made the decision to euthanise the dingo on Tuesday.
“Euthanising a dingo is a last resort, as it can interrupt the island’s natural ecological and cultural wellbeing, and impacts our rangers and the Butchulla people, particularly if visitors have not complied with our Be Dingo-safe! Advice,” a QPWS media statement said.
“This decision is in line with the Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy, and is part of our commitment to maintain the safety of everyone who visits or lives on K’gari.”
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.
- Never feed dingoes.
- 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.
- Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
Dingoes can appear with surprising stealth and speed, and their natural curiosity and instincts can lead to negative experiences if these rules aren’t followed.
QPWS is tasked with the responsibility of striking a balance between public safety and the conservation of dingoes on K’gari, which are a protected species of environmental and cultural significance.
To achieve this balance, it carries out constant education and compliance, maintains fences at multiple camping areas around the Orchid Beach township, conducts daily patrols of the island and responds to human-dingo interactions on a case-by-case basis.
To help boost public safety on K’gari, the Queensland Government is investing an additional $2 million in funding this financial year and an additional $3 million annually ongoing.
QPWS is also expanding proactive Be dingo-safe! messaging to help educate tourists when they purchase camping permits, and at strategic locations on the island.
People are encouraged to Be Dingo-safe! and report any negative dingo encounters to a QPWS ranger, or phone 07 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au as soon as possible.
For more information go to K’gari dingoes.
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