A terrifying encounter between a 12-year-old boy and a dingo at a popular tourist spot has ended in a dramatic rescue, thanks to the quick thinking of nearby fishermen.
The incident occurred on Sunday at K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, in southeast Queensland.
What Happened?
The boy was playing in shallow water at Kingfisher Bay with two other children and an adult when a tagged male dingo sneaked up from behind and bit him on the back.
Fortunately, a group of fishermen who were nearby sprang into action, using a stick to scare the dingo away.
But the drama didn’t end there – the dingo followed the group back to their accommodation, leaving everyone on high alert.
A Growing Concern
This incident is just the latest in a string of dingo attacks on the island. In fact, more than 20 dingo incidents were reported on K’gari in 2024, making it a growing concern for tourists and locals alike.
Just over the Australia Day long weekend, two attacks occurred, including one where a woman was bitten on the leg when she tried to stop a dingo from taking her bag, and another where a two-year-old was attacked in a car park.
The Aftermath
The 12-year-old boy was lucky to escape with superficial puncture wounds and a laceration, and was treated by paramedics at the scene.
The dingo was still in the area when rangers arrived, and has since been identified.
Rangers will be keeping a close eye on the animal and providing education to residents and visitors to the island on how to stay safe around dingos.
Stay Safe on K’gari
If you’re planning a trip to K’gari, make sure to take necessary precautions to avoid any encounters with dingos.
Remember to stay alert, keep a safe distance, and never feed or approach these wild animals.
With the right knowledge and precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful island.