Dingo incidents in Eurong area lead to euthanasia

Issued: 9 Jul 2018

Please attribute to a Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokesperson:

On 2 July 2018, a dingo was euthanised on K’gari (Fraser Island) after a series of aggressive incidents occurred on the beach. The incidents included biting a woman near Lake Wabby on 30 June, biting a child at Eurong on 1 July 2018 and aggressive behaviour towards a female backpacker at Eurong on 2 July 2018.

Following the series of high-risk incidents, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), with the support of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), determined that the dingo presented an unacceptable risk, and the decision was made to capture and humanely euthanise the animal.

The dingo responsible for the attacks was identified by its coloured and numbered ear tag and captured on 2 July 2018. While the euthanasia was unfortunate, it was necessary, and is not expected to have an impact on the population’s genetics as the dingo was part of a pack.

Rangers had previously been monitoring a pack of dingoes in the area, and had issued warnings to visitors and residents due to increased dingo activity.

Wongai, One Tree Rocks and Cornwells camping areas have been temporarily closed from 12 June to 20 September 2018 to reduce risk of habituation and interactions between dingoes and visitors. Rangers have stepped up patrols and warnings in the Eurong–Poyungan Rocks area after the first incident.

While this action improves safety in the area, people are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any negative dingo encounters to a QPWS ranger. Phone 07 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au as soon as possible.

The Butchulla people, as the Traditional Custodians of K’gari, ask that all visitors to the island show respect to the wongari (dingo) by ensuring that they do not feed or interact with these special animals.

K’gari (Fraser Island) visitors and residents 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
  • 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 read about Fraser Island dingoes.