Residents urged to check camping gear and trailers for cane toads

NORTH Coast Local Land Services are calling on residents across the region to keep an eye out for cane toads at campgrounds and holiday spots.

Each year there are reports of increased numbers of cane toad movement across the state.

Cane toads typically get caught up in camping gear, trailers or vehicles from holiday spots at home and outside the region.

Once they get on to properties, they are a lethal threat to domestic pets, livestock and threatened species when ingested.

Sarah Johnson from the invasive pest team said they frequently receive reports on cane toads.

“Cane toads are incredibly adaptable, they take advantage of the conditions we have on the North Coast,” she said.

“It is important to know the signs of cane toads, how to identify them and what to do if you think you have found cane toads on your property.”

Cane toads have caused the extinction of turtles, goannas, quolls and birds in parts of Australia.

The Landcare Cane Toad Control Handbook provides information on how to euthanise a cane toad humanely.

Several native frog species can look like the cane toad.

It is recommended people capture the animal in a well-ventilated container, take photos and report it using the FeralScan app.

A trained officer can then confirm the identity and advise on euthanasia.

Contact details, location and photographs can all be entered at feralscan.org.au/toadscan/