Tourists bitten by wongari on K’gari
Issued: 18 Feb 2024
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating two separate incidents on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) where two people on separate tours were injured by wongari (dingoes).
Around 3pm on 17 February 2024, an 18-year-old woman was walking to Lake Wabby as part of a tour group when a tagged dingo bit her on the back of her left leg.
The woman presented to the Queensland Ambulance Service for treatment to puncture marks around her left knee.
Around 8pm on 17 February 2024, a person was reportedly mouthed or nipped by a dingo on the beachfront near Dilli Village.
This morning, QPWS rangers will attempt to make contact with the people involved in the incidents and attempt to identify both dingoes involved.
Dangerous dingo signs have been installed this morning at Lake Wabby entrance, and rangers will increase patrols in the areas.
Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded to remain vigilant at all times as we move into the dingo breeding season, and children must be kept under constant supervision.
Anyone with information about these incidents and other negative interactions is encouraged to contact QPWS rangers.
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 around the Orchid Beach township, 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 see About K’gari dingoes and Be dingo-safe on K’gari.