Cane toad hitches a ride to WA goldfields

A dead cane toad has been discovered in Western Australia's remote Goldfields, which is more than 1500 kilometres from the nearest area where the invasive pest should be found.

The reason? Tourists had probably accidentally brought the hitchhiking toad from the Kimberley, said wildlife officer Lyle Gilbert.

A group of visitors to the Niagara Dam Nature Reserve near Kookynie stumbled upon the dead toad.

"Cane toads can hide in very small spaces so it is important for travellers and commercial freight companies to inspect vehicles, luggage, pallets, camping gear and caravans before they depart from any cane toad infested areas," Mr Gilbert said.