10yo boy bitten by wongari on K’gari
Issued: 30 Apr 2024
Rangers on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) are reminding people to be vigilant following another incident that resulted in a child being bitten by a dingo (wongari).
On 23 April 2024, a family were packing up after visiting Awinya Creek on the western side of the island and two boys who were covered in sand were told to wash off in the creek.
As the boys washed off at the mouth of the creek, a dingo ran straight at the boys, who screamed and ran towards their parents.
The dingo bit the 10-year-old on the back of his leg, leaving minor injuries including a scratch and bruising to his lower right calf muscle.
The boy’s parents treated the injury and he did not require further medical assistance.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was advised about the incident on 29 april 2024 due to phone reception issues on the island.
Rangers believe they have identified the dingo, and patrols have been increased in the area.
Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded to remain vigilant at all times by keeping children at arm’s length, never walking alone and carrying a stick at all times.
Parents and carers should expect dingoes anywhere on the island, and must be aware that they are fast, dangerous and children and young teenagers are more vulnerable.
Negative dingo encounters should immediately be reported to a QPWS ranger by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au
QPWS carry out constant education and compliance activities on K’gari. Rangers maintain fences at multiple camping areas, 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.
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.
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.
- Camp in fenced areas where possible
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
- Never feed dingoes
- 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.
For more information go to K’gari dingoes.