Girl bitten by dingo on K’gari
Issued: 4 Apr 2023
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating an interaction between a 6-year-old child and a dingo on K’gari (Fraser Island).
The girl was bitten on the head and hand near Waddy Point beach around 3:45pm on 3 April 2023.
It is believed the girl was swimming in a shallow lagoon and a wongari (dingo) approached her from behind and grabbed her by the head.
The girl’s family quickly intervened and chased the dingo away. She has been flown to Hervey Bay Hospital for treatment for three puncture wounds on her head and a small wound on her hand.
QPWS rangers have provided assistance to the family, and are investigating the incident. It is believed the wongari was an untagged male.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service extends its sympathies to the girl and her family, and wishes her a speedy recovery.
Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded to keep children under constant supervision.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact a QPWS ranger by calling 07 4127 9150.
People are encouraged to be dingo safe and report any negative dingo encounters to a QPWS ranger or to phone 07 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au as soon as possible.
Visitors to Fraser Island 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 go to Fraser Island dingoes.