Written on 7/21/24

With all the rain we've been getting lately, you may have noticed an increase in the local toad population at night, among other things. Well, here in Florida, we have two types of toads that look similar, but one is native and harmless, and the other is invasive and highly toxic. I'm Master Corporal Eric Ross, and we at LCSO want you and your family pets to be safe, so here's how you can tell the difference:

The Southern Toad is native to Florida and can be 2" to 4" in length. Their color varies from gray to brown with reddish spots, and they have small "crests" or "knobs" behind their eyes. They have a gland behind their head that is oval-shaped and runs parallel to their spine, but they are pretty much harmless (besides maybe a bad taste in your animal's mouth if they try to pick one up). I caught a few for reference. Remember, these are the good ones:

*No Southern Toads were harmed, I was very gentle.

Cane Toads, on the other hand, were introduced to kill pests, but have become the pests themselves. So much so, that the FWC recommends that residents kill them if they find them on their property. Cane toads are particularly dangerous to dogs, so if you walk your dog during the night hours, bring a flashlight and make sure they aren't trying to pick up a toad. Don't handle them with bare hands, either, as it can irritate your skin and eyes. It is also beneficial to teach your pets the "leave it" command, or an equivalent.

Cane Toads are much larger than Southern toads, from 4" to 6" on average, potentially even up to 9" when fully grown. While their patterns can be similar to the southern toad, they do not have the same crest behind their eyes, and the gland behind their head is more triangular and runs diagonally along their body. I have caught a few of these animals around the Ortiz site and, in an effort to keep the animals on Nan's Ranch and our Dog Program safe, I have humanely disposed of them. Here is a Cane toad for comparison:

*As I mentioned, this and a few other Cane Toads were humanely disposed of.

Above all, be safe, and make sure your pets are safe as well. The toxin of Cane Toads works very quickly, and no one wants to lose a beloved pet. Take care!

Visit the FWC's website for symptoms of the toxin and what to do if you think your pet has been exposed: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/amphibians/cane-toad/

Cane Toad

Cane Toad

myfwc.com