Cane toad dies hitchhiking to Perth

A dead Kununurra cane toad has been retrieved from a vehicle in Perth after it spent four days trapped in a refrigerated trailer.

A Toll Express truck driver saw the toad hop into his trailer while he was parked at a depot in Kununurra last Thursday.

He closed the doors and told his supervisor, who contacted the Department of Environment and Conservation.

The toad was removed from the truck at the company’s Perth depot yesterday by DEC officers

Wildlife officer Cameron Craigie said the truck driver and supervisor did the right thing by isolating the toad and reporting it to authorities.

Cane toads are present in and around Kununurra in WA, with breeding occurring in irrigation areas.

Mr Craigie urged people travelling south from places invasive pests live to check their vehicles and equipment for “hitchhiker toads”.

“They can hide in small spaces so inspect your vehicles, luggage, camping gear and caravans,” he said.

People who see suspected cane toads should call the DEC cane toad hotline on 1800 449 453.