First responder contacts QPWS about dingo attack

Issued: 19 Apr 2021

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has been contacted by the person who witnessed and responded to a recent dingo attack on K’gari (Fraser Island).

Ranger in Charge Linda Behrendorff said the first responder emailed Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) via the dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au and was contacted by a ranger.

“They advised they were alerted to the incident by the child’s screams and ran outside to assist,” Ms Behrendorff said.

“QPWS would like to thank the first responders for their actions that most likely saved the little boy’s life.

“The person said the dingo growled at them as they tried to scare it away from the child, and when it moved away from the scene they were able to retrieve the child and provide first aid.

“This incident is a reminder to all residents, businesses and visitors to the island of the need to be dingo safe at all times, and not feed or interact with the animals.

“This near tragedy is a warning for all who are associated with or visit the island that dingoes are wild animals and can inflict serious injuries or death.

“We know in the past that people have deliberately or inadvertently fed or interacted with the dingoes, and QPWS has issued many fines.

“This incident is an example of what can happen when dingoes lose their natural wariness of people and loiter around campsites and townships.

“A fed dingo is a habituated dingo, and they can become aggressive when seeking food.”

Ms Behrendorff said rangers were continuing to investigate the incident and were trying to identify the dingo responsible for the attack.

“Management decisions will involve consultation with key stakeholders, including traditional owners, the Butchulla,” she said.

“While the investigation is ongoing, people are urged to observe dingoes from a distance, keep all food and rubbish secure and not interact with them in anyway.

“People are reminded that if they’re approached by dingoes on the island, aggression can turn into an attack very quickly, so be dingo-safe.”

Visitors to Fraser Island are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:

  • Young children must be kept within arm’s reach at all times
  • Walk in groups
  • Camp in fenced areas where possible
  • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
  • Never feed dingoes
  • Never store food or food containers in tents
  • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.