A child has been bitten by a tagged female dingo at a popular tourist destination, prompting rangers to urge parents to be vigilant and stay close to their children.
The dingo charged two children, aged four and 12, who were swimming in shallow water in Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) at K’gari, formerly Fraser Island, on Thursday.
The dingo bit the four-year-old on the left shoulder, causing superficial lacerations.
The child’s mother picked them up and the father yelled and chased the dingo, but it continued to loiter near the family.
Rangers increased patrols and warned visitors to be vigilant about their safety.
At least 21 incidents involving dingoes were reported on the island in 2024.
Senior ranger Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes were opportunistic animals that would strike if given the chance.
“Dingoes are apex predators, and they will have a go and hunt if they feel someone has strayed from the pack,” she said.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of carrying a dingo stick, which works as a deterrent.”
The attack follows another incident at a beach near Kingfisher Bay on January 18, when a three-year-old girl was bitten on the back of the leg by a tagged dingo.
The parents picked up the child and tried to scare the dingo away, rangers said.
Witnesses on two nearby yachts assisted, using a kayak paddle to deter the dingo.
Parents should always keep children within arm’s reach, and consider staying in K’gari’s fenced camping areas, Dr Behrendorff said.
“We urge people to be dingo-safe and remain vigilant when visiting K’gari,” she said
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers have increased patrols and signage in the area and were endeavouring to identify the dingo involved.
