Have you ever come across a toad and wondered if it was poisonous? While toads are fascinating creatures, not all of them are harmless. In fact, some toads possess potent toxins that can have serious effects on predators, including humans. Join me as we explore the physical characteristics and behaviors that can help you identify a potentially venomous toad and ensure your safety in the wild. While cases of human poisoning by true toads are rare, they do occur. Ingestion of true toad secretions can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even heart arrhythmias.
Human uses of toad venom
- Anti-nausea medications, such as maropitant, may reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Other parts of a true toad’s body, such as its liver and reproductive organs, also contain varying levels of toxins.
- These toxins are synthesized in the toad’s liver, converted into active compounds in the parotoid glands, and then stored for release when threatened.
- These nocturnal toads are common in fields, barnyards, lawns, and gardens.
- Of the 5 species of toads most common to the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, only one can be considered dangerous.
- Fowler’s toads are also known for scraping algae off rocks, mainly by using their teeth.
They are voracious predators of insects, slugs, and other pests, helping to control populations that could otherwise become nuisances. Emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats and promoting responsible coexistence with toads and other amphibians is essential for the overall health of ecosystems. People in certain parts of the world—China and Southeast Asia in particular—where toad secretions have been used as folk medicine and as an aphrodisiac are also at high risk. Severe poisoning has also occurred in rural populations where toads and toad eggs were eaten due to food scarcity. The innocent and curious nature of children and pets make them high risk, and we should always protect pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, and those who are immunocompromised.
Are American Toads Aggressive?
If you accidentally touch or handle a poisonous toad, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any toxins. If you experience any symptoms of poisoning, such as skin irritation or nausea, seek medical attention. Not all toads that secrete toxins are necessarily poisonous to humans.
What Are the Signs of Toad Toxin Exposure in Humans?
Some toads produce mild toxins that are not harmful to humans but serve as a deterrent to predators. Another trend is the rise in toad-related injuries among children and pets. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of children and pets becoming ill or even dying after coming into contact with poisonous toads. American toads are indeed poisonous, but like most toads in the United States, they are mildly toxic, although they can cause some dramatic signs. However, it’s important to note that two other species of toad- the marine or cane toad and the Colorado River toad- produce much more potent toxins.
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Complicating matters further, several patients consumed products derived from toad toxins, not the toads themselves, which obscures the exact toxic dosage received. Another way to identify a potentially poisonous toad is by observing its defensive behavior. When a toad feels threatened, it will often try to puff itself up to appear larger and more intimidating. It what toads are poisonous may also arch its back and raise its head to make itself look more imposing. This is a clear warning sign that the toad is prepared to defend itself if necessary. If you find a dead toad in your yard, it is best to avoid handling it and dispose of it properly to prevent any potential exposure to toxins.
Cane Toads (aka Bufo, Giant, Black, or Marine Toad) – Rhinella marina
Once a pet survives toad or frog poisoning, there are no other long-term effects. The outcome is determined by the type of toad or frog and how quickly veterinary care was provided. Immediate veterinary treatment is needed to reduce the risk of death. Pets are generally curious and they will get themselves into trouble, sniffing out and playing with frogs and toads in your yard or when out in nature.
- If you want to learn more about some poisonous species of toads, keep reading.
- Exposures resulting from dares or bets have caused deaths (see This Really Happened).
- The following species of toads are the most common in North America.
- This is a clear warning sign that the toad is prepared to defend itself if necessary.
- The best way to determine if a toad is poisonous is to look for specific physical characteristics and behaviors that are unique to toxic species.
Of the 5 species of toads most common to the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, only one can be considered dangerous. That is the Sonoran Desert Toad, or Colorado River Toad as they are also called. They are large, olive green toads with elongated poison glands behind the eye. The venom of these animals is composed of bufotoxins and bufogenins, among other chemical substances.
Some poisonous toads have bold, contrasting patterns such as dark spots or stripes on a light-colored background, while others may have bold, solid coloration. These markings serve as a warning to predators that they are equipped with potent toxins. Coloration and markings play a significant role in the defense mechanism of poisonous toads.