Cane Toads are at large in the NT, however there are some varieties of native frogs and toads that can often be mistaken for cane toads. The Northern Territory Government provides funding to Frogwatch each year to assist in community cane toad management. Parks and Wildlife NT recommend 3 important steps to follow if you think you have found a toad.
Identify
Please be sure that you really do have a cane toad before killing it. Frogwatch Identifrog can assist.
Collection
Use a safe method to collect the Cane Toad, which are toxic. The source of the toxin is two large glands behind the eyes and on the back of the neck. The toxin is usually on the toad's skin, but can be sprayed lightly if the toad is handled roughly. It is recommended to use two plastic shopping bags, or something similar to pick up the toad. Turn the bags inside out, grab the toad, turn the bags the correct way round again, tie the bags tightly and you'll have safely bagged your toad. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap afterwards.
Disposing
To dispose of a toad humanely, put your bagged toad in the refrigerator at four degrees for an hour so that it becomes unconscious. Then transfer the toad to the freezer for at least 16 hours.
More information can be found on the NT Cane Toads
Phone Frogwatch 1800 243 564
Email Frogwatch toadreport@frogwatch.org.au
