One of the most well-known poisonous toads is the cane toad, native to South and Central America. Few toad species are highly poisonous to humans including the Cane Toad and Colorado River Toad. Most toad species are only severely toxic to animals including cats and dogs. However, all toads can pose risks for young children and those with health vulnerabilities. Toads are fascinating creatures that play an important role in their ecosystems. However, their defense mechanisms, including their toxic secretions, pose a real threat to humans and animals.
They live up to 8,200 feet in the southern part of their range and are usually found in woodlands, wet locations, open countrysides, parks and gardens, and fields. They are collected for the pet trade and are experiencing habitat loss, which is why they are considered near threatened by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The Argentine toad (Rhinella Arenarum) belongs to the Bufonidae family and is common in southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
The severity of the effect depends on the toad species and the amount of toxin exposure. Therefore, it’s best to admire these amphibians from a safe distance and avoid any contact with your mouth. However, the potency and delivery of this venom vary significantly between species. While all toads have the capacity to secrete toxins as a defense mechanism, not all pose a serious threat to humans or even larger animals. Although most toad species pose little threat to humans, it is still important to exercise caution, especially when dealing with an unknown or potentially dangerous species. For individuals with allergies or hypersensitivities, contact with even mildly toxic toads can lead to adverse reactions.
It uses toxic secretions to ward off predators like skunks, raccoons, and birds. These toxic secretions are what make the toad valuable to humans who are looking to get high. The primary toxin found in many poisonous toads is called bufotoxin. This complex substance is a cocktail of different compounds, including bufadienolides, which are similar in structure to digitalis, a heart medication. In small doses, digitalis can be therapeutic, but in larger quantities, it can disrupt heart function, leading to arrhythmia and even cardiac arrest.
However, you should avoid touching your eyes or mouth after handling a toad, as the toxins may irritate mucous membranes. The toxins secreted by toads are called bufotoxins, comprising various chemical compounds that can protect them from predators. Many toads secrete toxins from their skin as a defense mechanism.
These toxins, often a mixture of steroids and other compounds similar to digoxin, affect the heart and nervous system. The effects can range from mild irritation to severe, potentially fatal, poisoning. While many frogs have skin secretions that can be irritating or mildly toxic, the term “poisonous” is typically reserved for species that pose a significant threat. Toads, which are a type of frog, are generally more likely to have potent toxins than other frog species. The range of effects after handling a toad can range from completely unaffected are all toads poisonous to toxicity and death, depending on the level of exposure.
Cases of cardiotoxicity in humans have been documented due to toad poisoning. It’s also common for small children to handle and try to lick a toad, not understanding the danger or general icky-ness of the act. Poisoning occurs when a dog comes in contact with a cane toad through ‘mouthing’, biting, or licking. When a cane toad is attacked or threatened, they release a potent and fast-acting toxin, milky white in colour, from their parotid glands.
While toad toxins are primarily a concern for pets, humans can also be affected, albeit usually to a lesser degree. Handling toads and then touching your eyes or mouth can cause irritation. Ingesting toad meat, though uncommon, can lead to serious poisoning. There are three species of toad in Pennsylvania—the spadefoot toad, the Fowler’s toad and the Eastern American toad. The Eastern American toad is the most common, and both this species and the Fowler’s toad have glands on their heads that secrete a toxin that has a bitter taste. While not deadly, it can cause drooling, vomiting and sometimes pawing at the face or eyes if a dog or cat licks or picks up a toad in his mouth.
In fact, only a small percentage of toad species produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and other animals. Toads have long fascinated and frightened people, often occupying a space in folklore and cultural narratives due to their unique appearance and behavior. However, the reality of toad toxicity is more nuanced than many realize. While some toads possess potent toxins that can pose significant risks to pets and humans, others are relatively harmless. So, admire these warty wonders from a distance, respect their defenses, and appreciate their role in the balance of nature. The short answer is yes, all true toads (members of the Bufonidae family) possess parotoid glands, which are located behind their eyes.
The Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) and the Colorado River Toad (Incilius alvarius) are the most poisonous toads in the United States. Wear eye and skin protection, and use gloves (latex, rubber, or nitrile) if handling is necessary. While the idea of a poisonous toad might sound alarming, remember that their venom is a last resort defense. They would much rather hop away than engage in a toxic standoff. Toad toxin can remain potent for several days, even after the toad has died. Avoid handling dead toads and wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with one.
Please note that many states and jurisdictions may have legislation that prevents capturing or owning tadpoles, frogs, or toads. Always make sure you have the permission to legally own an exotic pet before deciding to adopt one. If you are in the US, please refer to state laws before deciding to adopt an exotic or wild pet. He took over toadsnfrogs.com to make frog education engaging and accessible, providing resources that inspire others to care for frogs and their habitats. While it may be tempting to keep a baby toad as a pet, it is generally not recommended. Furthermore, providing proper care for a wild toad in captivity can be challenging.
All species of toads are poisonous, but the extent of toxicity varies greatly, with some toads not causing severe poisoning. 1, 3, 4 Ingestion of toad or toad cake can lead to intoxication. Most toxic compounds of this venom are steroids similar to digoxin.
They can change color as a response to light and heat changes with females being larger than the male. Gulf coast toads (Incilius Valliceps) are native to eastern and southeastern Mexico and Central America. The African common toad (Sclerophrys Regularis) is found in Subsaharan Africa, ranging from Libya and Algeria to Egypt, Congo, Cameroon, Senegal, Kenya, and Nigeria, to name a few. Their natural habitat includes pine flat woods, pine-oak woods, savannas with sandy soil, maritime forests, and oak scrub.
Fortunately, encounters are quite rare because the toads are good at hiding. However, if you notice signs that your pet encountered a toad, contact your vet immediately for advice. American toads are usually not dangerous to humans, but after you handle them, washing your hands is important. Rubbing your eyes or putting your fingers in your mouth could have toxic effects.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after contact with a toad. Therefore, those affected should always seek medical attention as soon as possible. A toad that feels threatened will release a toxic substance on its back, which your dog can accidentally sniff or ingest. Being able to identify toxic toad species in your area is vital for protecting your pets. The specific toxins vary depending on the toad species, but many contain bufadienolides, which are steroids similar to digoxin, a cardiac glycoside. These toxins can disrupt the normal functioning of the heart and nervous system.
While this toxin tastes bitter and acts as a deterrent to many predators, its effects can vary depending on the species of toad and the amount of toxin encountered. Some toads have mild toxins that cause only minor irritation, while others, like the cane toad and Colorado River toad, have potent toxins that can be deadly. While most toads pose minimal risk to humans through casual contact, the toxins can be irritating if they get into the eyes or mouth. Children, who might be tempted to handle toads more carelessly or even put them in their mouths, are at higher risk. Domestic animals, particularly dogs, are frequently affected by toad poisoning because they are curious and may try to bite or lick toads. These glands, located behind the eyes, are prominent swellings that contain a potent cocktail of chemicals known collectively as bufotoxin.
