Hitchhiking cane toad found in WA

A live cane toad found in northern Western Australia has prompted a warning to travellers about the risks of the toxic animals hitchhiking in vehicles and luggage.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife said the cane toad was found at tourist accommodation in Derby, in the Kimberley region, this week and subsequently euthanased.

Cane toad program coordinator Corrin Everitt said it appeared travellers accidentally took the animal with them in their luggage from Kununurra, near the Northern Territory border.

"Cane toads can hide in very small spaces so it's important to check your load. Inspect vehicles, luggage, pallets, camping gear and caravans before you leave," she said.

Cane toads are an invasive species that are fast-breeding and toxic to many native animals.

The department recommends not killing suspected toads in case they are native frogs, but instead isolating them and reporting them to authorities with a photo.