Aggressive dingo growling, barking in latest attack

Fraser Barton |

Rangers are tracking a dingo which attacked a woman on K’gari in the 17th such attack in 2024.
Rangers are tracking a dingo which attacked a woman on K’gari in the 17th such attack in 2024.

A woman has been bitten by an aggressive dingo in the latest of a string of attacks.

Rangers are investigating the attack that occurred in an unfenced area at Lake McKenzie on world heritage-listed K’gari, previously known  as Fraser Island, about 5.30am (AEST) Monday.

The woman was with a walking group when she was bitten on the back of the leg by the dingo, causing bruising to her calf.

Members of the group used walking poles to try and deter the dog, a statement from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation said.

The dingo – an untagged female – was aggressive, growling, barking, jumping, lunging and attempting to bite at the walking poles, the statement said.

Rangers have increased patrols in the area and will attempt to identify the dingo.

There have been 17 dingo attacks at K’gari in 2024, nine of which have involved children. 

The spate of incidents prompted the Queensland government to warn families with young children from camping outside unfenced areas of K’gari amid fears the next dingo incident could be fatal.

A four-year-old girl was flown to hospital in the most recent attack involving a child after she was bitten on the chest by a dingo while a group was fishing on the island on August 17.

Visitors to K’gari are reminded to always keep children and teenagers close, not feed the animals and camp in fenced areas where possible. 

Dingoes on K’gari are protected by law under a state conservation and risk management strategy.

AAP