Toad lickin' Good

As a general statement - Licking toads is not a great idea. It's gross.

Most all toads or frogs will secrete a noxious substance on their skin that makes them taste quite foul to a predator. These toxins are usually harmless, although they will cause severe drooling, lip smacking, and sometimes vomiting.

The toads associated with severe intoxication are in the genus Bufo. Specifically Bufo marinus and Bufo alvarius, also known as the marine (or cane toad) and the Colorado River Toad respectively. Marine bufo toads are primarily found in southern Florida and parts of south and east Texas. Marine toads are native to Central and South America as well as Puerto Rico. They were introduced to Hawaii to help control sugar cane pests and to Australia to control an invasive beetle. They failed at both of these tasks. I'm not sure how they got into Texas. Bufo toads are pretty large. Adults are typically 4-6 inches from nose to rump.

The Colorado River Toad is native to southern Arizona, California, New Mexico and northern Mexico.

Both toads produce toxic substances from a collection of glands along the side of their heads called the parotid glands. In the case of marine toads, the toxins primarily affect the heart and will cause heart attack and death. The Colorado river toads primarily produce a hallucinogenic compound similar to LSD and can cause central nervous system depression, brain damage, and death. Both toads produce both toxins.

Usually, owners notice their pet salivating heavily, panting, and they may seem weak or collapse. IMMEDIATELY wash the pet's mouth with water. Be careful not to be bitten or to suffocate the pet.

If you don't live in Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico, or Texas, you're not supposed to have to worry. I've seen one or two of these in my career. They're impressive.

AMH