The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is investigating after a dingo bit a 12-year-old boy on K’gari.
The boy was playing in shallow water with another child and adult near Yidney Rocks, south of Happy Valley on the island’s eastern side, when the dingo approached from behind and bit him on the back about 12.15pm on Sunday.
Nearby fishers ran to assist and attempted to deter the dingo with a stick. The dingo moved back but followed the group back to their accommodation.
The adult and children had been carrying a dingo stick with them but had left it on nearby rocks before entering the water.
Paramedics treated the boy for superficial puncture wounds and a laceration, and he did not require further treatment.
The dingo, which was tagged, was still in the area when rangers arrived and has been identified. They will continue to monitor its movements and have been providing further education to residents and visitors to the island.
A four-year-old who was swimming in shallow water at Lake McKenzie was attacked last month.
At least four children were bitten by dingoes at K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, last year: a primary school-aged girl suffered significant leg injuries when she was bitten while swimming with friends in January; a 10-year-old boy was bitten on the back of the leg at Awinya Creek in April; a two-year-old boy was bitten on the thigh by a dingo at Lake Mackenzie in June; and a four-year-old girl was bitten on the chest at Ngkala Rocks in August.
Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo safe at all times by always staying close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers, always walking in groups and carrying a stick, camping within fenced areas where possible, not feeding the dingoes, and not running or jogging.
Fishers are also advised to move dingoes on immediately and not let them linger nearby.
Food should be kept locked up, even on boats, and not stored in tents, and all rubbish, fish and bait should be kept secure.
Dingo encounters should be reported on (07) 4127 9150 or by email to dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au.
