Three children and a woman have been treated in hospital following separate dingo attacks at the same remote campground in Western Australia's Karijini National Park. Authorities have warned visitors to exercise caution and stated that the animals involved will be exterminated if possible.
Latest Incident
On Wednesday night, a four-year-old girl was bitten on the leg by a dingo at Dales Campground. Her mother was also bitten while trying to protect her. Both received first aid at the scene before being transported to Tom Price Hospital for further treatment.
Earlier Attacks
Earlier in the week, around 8 am on Saturday, a six-year-old girl was approached by an aggressive dingo that nipped at her clothing. She was not injured. On Monday, a six-year-old boy was bitten on the neck and arm and was taken to Tom Price Hospital by his parents for medical attention.
Management Response
Rangers have been conducting nightly patrols since the initial attack to locate and humanely destroy the problem dingoes as soon as a safe opportunity arises, according to WA's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Additional staff with specialist dingo management experience have been flown from Perth to assist.
The campground remains open, with park rangers advising campers of the dingo risk upon arrival and providing safety information. The department stated: 'The Parks and Wildlife Service is urging anyone travelling to Dales Campground at Karijini National Park to be on the alert and take every precaution.'
Permanent dingo safety signage is installed at several locations within the campground. The department emphasised that while dingoes are an important part of the local ecosystem, visitor safety is the number one priority.
