Visitors to K’gari are being urged not to walk alone after a woman was bitten on the hands by a dingo near the Winnam camping area.
Rangers are investigating the incident that occurred at 10.30am last Thursday, leaving the woman with two lacerations to the middle fingers on both hands.
In a statement, the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the woman had walked away from the camping area to the ocean when she was quickly approached by five dingoes, with a tagged dingo lunging at the woman and biting her on the hands.
The Queensland Ambulance Service treated the woman on K’gari, and she was advised to see a doctor.
People at the camping area had previously received ‘be dingo-safe’ education from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.
It is believed the pack of dingoes were hanging around the camping area after getting access to a large amount of unsecured food from a different campsite earlier this week, the Department stated.
“Rangers provided further be dingo-safe advice to campers in the area and will conduct additional patrols over the weekend,” it said.
“Residents and visitors to the island must be aware of the risks, and should always walk in groups, carry a stick and keep food and rubbish secured.”
Report any concerning dingo encounters by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au
Visitors to K’gari are reminded to Be dingo-safe at all times:
- Always stay close (within arm’s reach) to children and young teenagers
- Always walk in groups and carry a stick
- Never feed dingoes
- Camp in fenced areas where possible
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
- 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.
