Child bitten by wongari on K’gari

Issued: 17 Apr 2024

Rangers on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) are attempting to identify a collared dingo (wongari) that bit a child and caused minor injuries on 17 April 2024.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was advised around 1pm about the incident, which occurred at Eli Creek.

The child reportedly received the assistance from the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Rangers will make further inquiries with the child’s family to determine the circumstances that led to the incident, and patrols have been increased in the Eli Creek 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.

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