Armidale was the location of a cane toad sighting confirmed by the Department of Primary Industries this week. Here's what to do and what not to do if you think you've spotted one...

The cane toad (Rhinella marina), also known as the giant neotropical toad or marine toad, is a large, terrestrial true toad native to South and mainland Central America, but which has been introduced to various islands throughout Oceania and the Caribbean, as well as Northern Australia. It is the world's largest toad and it is a feral animal doing much harm to native wildlife in Australia.

The North Hill Vet Clinic in Armidale has warned pet owners to keep their pets way from anything they suspect of being a cane toad as they can be extremely toxic.

The Department of Primary Industries advises on what you should do if you think you have found a cane toad:

• Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling potential cane toads. They exude (and sometimes squirt) poison from glands positioned behind the head.
• The animal should be collected and held in a closed, well-ventilated, non-toxic container, with some water.
• Don’t harm the animal until it is confirmed what it is.
• Photograph the animal and report it to NSW DPI using one of three methods:
• 1. online reporting form at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/sighting
• 2. download the Feral Scan mobile phone app www.feralscan.org.au
• 3. email invasive.species@dpi.nsw.gov.au.