Cane toad found in Collie

A cane toad, capable of killing most South West native animals, was found near Collie last Monday.

Authorities were notified by a contract worker after the male toad was captured and killed at the Mornington Village accommodation camp, near the Worsley Alumina Refinery.

Department of Environment and Conservation wildlife officer Allan Madgwick said it was then transported to the WA Department of Agriculture and Food in Bunbury where it was confirmed to be a cane toad.

``This is the first time that a hitchhiker cane toad has been found near Collie,'' he said.

``We are conducting an extensive search of the area to locate any other possible cane toads _ we have also set up cane toad traps on the site and these will be checked daily over the next few weeks.''

DEC officers are investigating how the vermin may have arrived in the area.

``It is possible that the cane toad may have been inadvertently transported here by a vehicle that has passed through a toad infested area either interstate or in northern Western Australia,'' Mr Madgwick said.

``Cane toads are very good at hiding in small spaces so it's important for people to remain vigilant and do thorough checks of their vehicles, caravans and camping equipment if they are heading over from areas where cane toads are known to live.''

The department encouraged people not to kill suspected cane toads until they had been positively identified in case the animal turned out to be a harmless native frog.

Anyone who suspects they may have found a cane toad should isolate the live animal and report the sighting to the cane toad hotline on 1800 084 881 (free call).

For more information about cane toads visit www.dec.wa.gov.au/canetoads.