Most grey nomads are accustomed to seeing goannas hanging around camping grounds … but a recent attack has reminded them that the reptiles are not to be approached.
A seven-year-old boy required surgery after a lace monitor bit him on his foot at The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney’s north.
Jimmy Hawkins suffered a damaged tendon and punctures to his toes in the incident. A police boat then took the young boy to Palm Beach Wharf, and he was later transported to Mona Vale Hospital for medical attention.
The boy’s father, Brett Hawkins, told 9news that the lizard was a bit bigger than three feet.
“Jimmy got a little bit too close,” Mr Hawkins said. “It happened quickly, but it went in slow motion … it wouldn’t let go and you could tell Jimmy was trying to get away, he was really scared by it all.”
9News reports that, as Mr Hawkins rushed to his son, another man had to kick the goanna off after it latched onto the boy’s toe.
The incident on February 24 prompted NSW National Parks to install a goanna-specific sign at the popular Sydney camping spot.
Australian Reptile Park’s Reptile Keeper Jake Meney said most people who spend time outdoors will have encountered a lace monitor – the second largest lizard species found in Australia.
“It’s a lot easier for them to steal a sausage than to chase a small mammal or bird that they would tend to feed on in a wild setting,” he told 9News. “They can certainly be very dangerous, potentially and generally they will bite as a defence, if someone attempts to touch or injure them.”
He said while it was not happening every day, bites do occur.
“Almost every single lace monitor you will come across will be a male. They are much larger – reaching up to two metres in length – and more confident whereas the females tend to hide away,” Mr Meney told 9news. “If you are approached by a lace monitor, keep some distance between you and the lizard, and if they are persistent, try and seek shelter – whether it is in your car or indoors – but usually it won’t get to that point.”
While goanna bites can pose a risk of infection, young Jimmy is apparently recovering well from his unpleasant experience.
We were up at Cape Tribulation years ago having lunch and one of these ugly big buggers jumped onto the table. We let him have the sandwiches. Frightened us at the time but laugh about it now. Luckily not like Jimmy, were weren’t hurt. Hope this experience doesn’t put the young fellow off.
No problems with the Goannas in the Top End anymore…the Cane Toads cleaned them all up…!
Almost lost a finger at Nightcap Nat Park. Insisted rangers put up warning and educational signs, highlighting NOT to feed native wildlife. People feed them and modifies natural behaviour. They move on nd next person wears their priblems.! Pull up alot of places and wildlife, birds all expect a feed! See mother birds bringing babies to camps to learn food source. Shame. Its unthinking people are the problem.
was very scary
i thought it was a dinosour, i said hi, then it bit me, RUDE!