Dingoes on tourist island ‘losing fear of humans’ – as mayor warns visitors it’s only a matter of time before a child is killed
- Fraser Coast Mayor warns another fatal dingo attack will occur on the Island
- Dingo pack at northern end of K’gari is losing its natural wariness for humans
- 20 years since Clinton Gage, 9, was killed by two dingoes near Waddy Point
A local mayor has warned it is only a ‘matter of time’ before another child is killed by a dingo on Fraser Island – because the native dogs are losing their fear of humans at the tourist hotspot.
Mayor George Seymour made the alarming claim following an attack at Orchid Beach in Queensland last Saturday.
A boy, 4, was bitten on the leg before his frantic parents chase the menacing dingo into nearby bushland.
In recent months, a toddler was mauled in April and another child was bitten in February after wandering outside early one morning when the rest of his family were asleep.
Fears are rising that the dingo population (pictured) on Fraser Island are rapidly ‘losing their fear of humans’
Fraser Island (pictured) has long been a popular tourist haven – but the aggressive local wildlife can pose problems at times
Fraser Island in Queensland (pictured) has signs up in multiple locations warning guests to be vigilant at all times
‘Eventually there is going to be another fatality,’ Seymour told the ABC.
‘To have this many attacks where these wild animals are actually biting children, it’s a matter of time and a serious problem.’
In 2001, Clinton Gage, 9, was attacked and killed by two dingoes near Waddy Point on the picturesque tourist island in Queensland.
The terrified youngster fell and was fatally mauled, in the first lethal dingo attack on a human since the infamous death of nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain at Ayers Rock in August 1980.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service also warned a pack of dingoes at the northern end of K’gari on Fraser Island are seemingly fearless.
They stressed the importance of not approaching or feeding the dingoes, and that children must be supervised at all times.
‘Dingoes will occasionally approach humans, because they are naturally curious,’ a Department of Environment spokesperson said.
‘They should be treated with absolute caution. Remember they are wild and unpredictable animals.’
Advertisement
