Cane toads, large and poisonous invasive amphibians, pose a threat to Floridian pets, particularly during the State’s rainy season.
Also called bufo, giant or marine toads, they are poisonous “to most animals that try to bite or consume them,” according to the FWC. Cane toads have glands behind their eyes that secrete a “potent milky-white toxin (bufotoxin) as defense against predators,” which includes “domestic pets.” They usually breed following heavy rain, according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Cane toad eggs also contain bufotoxin, which can harm or kill native species that eat them, according to the FWC. The toads also “potentially compete” with native frogs and toads for “food and breeding areas,” reads the agency’s website.
What to do if your pet bites a cane toad
If a pet does bite a cane toad, they can sicken and die in as few as 15 minutes, according to the FWC.
The FWC recommends washing the toxins out of their mouths with a hose for 10 minutes, being careful to avoid directing water down their throats. Additionally, you can wipe their gums and tongue with a dish towel to remove poison, and, above all else, get your pet to the vet.
If you come into contact with a cane toad, you should wash your hands thoroughly, as their secretions can irritate your skin or burn your eyes, according to the FWC.
How to spot a cane toad
Cane toads are “reddish-brown to grayish-brown” with light-yellow or beige bellies. They can be uniform in color, or they can have darker markings around their bodies. They range from around 6 to 9 inches in length.
While they can be confused with native southern toads, which are “beneficial” parts of the ecosystem, adult southern toads are usually only around three to four inches long, and have well-defined cranial crests that “look like ridges or horns above their eyes,” which cane toads do not.
How to keep cane toads away from your home
To keep cane toads away from your home, the FWC recommends keeping grass short, filling in any holes “around structures,” clearing away branches and brush piles, trimming the undersides of shrubs and generally removing any clutter.
Additionally, residents should feed pets inside when possible, and bring in any outdoor food and water bowls when night falls.
To remove cane toads from your property, wear eye and skin protection, and contact a wildlife trapper if necessary.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
