Exposure to these toxins can cause tremors, seizures, low heart rate and can be quickly fatal. The cane toad is found in Florida, southern Texas and Hawaii and the Colorado River toad is found in southern parts of Arizona, New Mexico and California. While all toad species do secrete a toxic substance, it’s what toads are poisonous usually not dangerous to humans. Still, keep reading as we dig in deeper to see how dangerous these small animals are and help set the record straight. Pets are poisoned by licking, mouthing, or eating toxic toads (including the young tadpoles) and their eggs, which also discharge the toxin. Dogs are more likely to eat or lick toxic toads than cats, mainly because of the toads’ large size.

Habitat and Distribution

The number of toad toxin poisoning incidents over these periods indicated an initial increase, peaking between 2001 and 2005, followed by a subsequent decline (Fig. 2). Patient ages ranged from 4 to 82 years, with a significant number of cases occurring among the elderly and children. The gender distribution showed 108 males (65.06%) and 58 females (34.94%), highlighting a higher incidence in males.

What is the mechanism by which true toads produce toxins?

Toads can eat a lot of species including beetle and invasive species. Toads are often seen in camouflage colors that resemble the most common areas in their habitats. Always wash your hands thoroughly if you have been in contact with a frog before touching anything else. Pets and young children are smaller and can lick or pick up a frog and then touch something else. The toads were not successful, not being able to jump high enough to catch the pests. These nocturnal toads spend most of their time on land, only going into the water for breeding.

What Do Toads Eat?

For this reason, toads have developed a defense in the form of toxins located on the skin, which makes them poisonous. Although they are native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, fire-bellied toads are sometimes kept as pets in the US. The fire-bellied toad (Bombina species) gets its name from its bright red, yellow, or orange underside. It secretes two types of toxins that can cause varying degrees of irritation in humans.

European Green Toad

• Fowler’s Toads emit a nasal “waa” or bleat, often likened to the sound of sheep.
• While many toads are harmless, there are some species that are poisonous and can pose a danger to humans and animals alike.
• They can also refuse to mate with smaller males should they initiate the process.
• These toads have adapted to introduced habitats outside North America.
• They are solitary until the breeding season when they come together at breeding ponds, with the males competing for females.

Colorado River toad poisoning rarely causes death with treatment, except through secondary heat stroke. If a dog licks a toad, rinsing the mouth may relieve signs within 30 minutes, but a veterinarian should be contacted for all toad exposures. Cane toad poisoning can cause death, especially without treatment. Any pet exposed to Cane toads should see a veterinarian immediately after rinsing the mouth. Decontamination is key, and it is the only treatment that can be done at home.

• The Western toad can be fatal to humans if humans lick or try to eat the toad.
• Upon full-text review based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 126 publications were excluded, leaving 72 that met all criteria for detailed analysis.
• Toads are fascinating creatures that can be found in many parts of the world.
• As soon as rain starts (from March to September), male toads make their way to water sources where they give off specific sounds to attract females.
• Although some toads are poisonous, they aren’t really dangerous, especially if you avoid touching or disturbing them.
• If you come into contact with this toxin, it can cause skin irritation, redness, and in some cases, even more severe symptoms.

Some children inadvertently ingested toad eggs during outdoor activities, resulting in toxicity. Additionally, a portion of the cases were due to intentional consumption of toads or toad-derived products for medicinal purposes. Lastly, it is important to remember that not all toads are poisonous.

Proper handling and hygiene practices are essential when dealing with toxic amphibians. While it is unlikely that touching a poisonous toad will result in death, it is possible to experience symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation. One interesting trend is the use of toad toxins in traditional medicine and alternative therapies. In some cultures, toad venom has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, pain, and even cancer. While the efficacy of these treatments is still being debated, the use of toad toxins in medicine highlights the complex relationship between humans and amphibians.