Australian police are investigating the death of a 19-year-old Canadian woman whose body was discovered on a beach on K’gari, a popular tourist destination off Australia’s east coast known for its wild dingo population.
Police in the state of Queensland said officers were called to the scene around 6:35 a.m. local time on Monday. The body was found surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes. Police Inspector Paul Algie told reporters the body had been “interfered with” by the animals, but authorities have not yet determined the cause of death.
According to Queensland Police, the body was located north of the Maheno shipwreck on the island’s eastern side. Initial information suggests the woman may have gone for an early-morning swim around 5 a.m. A crime scene has been established and the investigation is ongoing.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the victim was a Canadian citizen and said all inquiries have been referred to Australian authorities. Global Affairs Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Australian media reported that the woman was spotted by two men driving along the beach, and that she had been staying on the island with another Canadian.
K’gari, a World Heritage-listed site and the world’s largest sand island, is home to a significant population of wild dingoes. Queensland authorities regularly warn visitors to remain “dingo safe,” noting that some animals are habituated to humans and may behave aggressively. The island has a history of dingo attacks, including the fatal mauling of a nine-year-old boy in 2001.