The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is attempting to identify a dingo on K’gari that bit a German tourist on Wednesday.
The man was part of a group of four who stopped at Gerowweea Creek to check the water depth before driving through.
While checking the depth, the man was approached by a dingo he had not seen, and it bit and mouthed his right shin.
The man received a shallow laceration on his shin and jumped onto the bonnet to get away from the dingo before getting into the vehicle.
First aid was provided by the group and the man presented to the Queensland Ambulance Service at Eurong but did not require further treatment.
During an interview with the man, QPWS rangers were advised that the dingo was female, and will attempt to identify the animal.
Rangers will increase patrols in the area.
Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded to remain vigilant, never walk alone and carry a stick at all times.
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, conduct daily patrols of the island and respond to human-dingo interactions on a case-case basis.
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.
