Local residents have been urged to be on the look out for amphibious stow aways when they return from north of the border areas after a cane toad was discovered in Hanwood this week.

The rather disgruntled toad was unearthed at a local business and is believed to have hitched a ride down from the Sunshine State.

“Cane toads are often unknowingly transported on vehicles from Queensland in timber, farm produce, nursery plants and garden mulch,” NPWS area manager Colin Killick said.

“When taking holidays to the north, families are asked to check caravans, trailers and camping equipment for stowaways. Cane toads are very good at hiding themselves in small spaces.”

Dr Killick said that one female cane toad can lay 30,000 eggs at a time and these only take two months to mature.

Their ability to multiply quickly and in large numbers is a problem Queensland farmers have had since their introduction in 1935 and Dr Killick said that if the species came to the MIA they would be extremely difficult to remove.

NPWS has asked locals to be on the look out for more of the poisonous pests but to be sure not to confuse them with native, protected frogs.

“The cane toad is distinguishable by its large glands at the back of the head and a prominent bony ridge running from the nose to the eye,” Dr Killick said.

Dr Killick advised anyone in doubt to capture the amphibian and contact the NPWS or the Department of Industry and Investment.