Now I'm Scared......

16 years ago

In another post, I saw someone talk about Marine toads and how people should eradicate them from their yards because they are destroying the native frog population. I am now scared that I have a gazillion marine toads in my backyard and that my pond is their incubator. The part that scares me the most is according to a website I looked at about marine toads, these toads carry a poison that can kill a cat or dog that tries to eat them. My dogs chase these toads everywhere -- haven't really seen one try to eat one, but I'm sure that day will come. How can I be sure that the toads I have invading my backyard are really marine toads or some other kind of toad and if so, should I really try to eradicate them??? HELP!!!!

Cindy

Jax, FL

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Comments (10)

loma_ponder
16 years ago
Cindy,

Calm yourself. You didn't introduce them to Florida and you can't individually wipe them out. A little helps

"I saw someone talk about Marine toads and how people should eradicate them from their yards" Did they give an idea how the best way is to get rid of them?

My suggestion:
Just do your part by not providing food (left over pet food) or a good place to breed (take the ones you can catch and toss them into the dumpster)Eliminate the eggs the best you can. The dogs will have to learn a life lesson or you will be watching like a hawk.

It could be worst. Think of the people of Guam and their brown snake problem (look it up on Google).

LP

Here is a link that might be useful: Marine Toad
scottspond
16 years ago
Cindy, if you live in Jacksonville, you're not in zone 10b. I live in Ocala and I'm in zone 9b. Cane toads or Marine toads have not gotten this far north yet. They're in South Florida. I think it's something to do with the Winters this far up.

Stop worrying!

Happy ponding,
Scott
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drewsmaga
16 years ago
Here's a link from Herps of Texas about Bufo Marinus. The pics look like a different critter. Since I'm from Jax & now in Houston & planning to move back to Jax, from what I've been aware of, the big threat is the Cuban Tree Frog is moving into the area. This is the 1st I've heard of this toad. Oh, and Jax is either 8b or 9a depending on how close you are to the coast. I think most of Jax is now 9a.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bufo marinus
garyfla_gw
16 years ago
Hi
I have them by the hundreds lol. Not sure anything can be done about them.I keep the spawn dipped out of my pools but doesn't do much good . I didn't know they could take the cold so the range would have to be limited.
Have settled on just keeping them out of the house lol
gary
chickadeedeedee
16 years ago
.....(take the ones you can catch and toss them into the dumpster)......

That's not humane to let them cook in the Florida heat, dehydrate and torture them with a slow horrible death. :-( At least give them a good solid whack on the head or cut their heads off to kill them *QUICKLY* before tossing them in the dumpster. Something that is quick!

It is not their fault they are who they are and were introduced into this country. They are living creatures and deserve some respect.

C3D
buyorsell888
16 years ago
I did say that Cane Toads should be euthanized to do the environment and native frogs a favor but didn't mean to freak anyone out. Sorry.

Definitely would want anyone to use humane methods of disposal and to be sure what they have are Cane/Marine Toads. Putting them in the freezer is the method suggested on the site below.

There are multiple species of toads that have poison glands in their skin that can kill a dog or cat. This does not mean all toads should be killed on sight. Toads are beneficial in that they eat pest insects and most should be welcomed.

Here is a link that might be useful: cane toad info
loma_ponder
16 years ago
No buyorsell888, I think chickadeedeedee's comments were directed at me.

And for that I wasn't thinking. With the dumpster, I'm just sending the problem else where. So I'd take the shovel to them, then throw them in the dumpster.

(Point to clarify) I'm not a weak knee.

LP
newbirdman
16 years ago
How do you know they are Cane toads ? They could be common American toads or Fowlers toads . Better be sure what they are before you decide to kill the good toads .
chickadeedeedee
16 years ago
Hi LP. I am so sorry! I didn't think you were advising being inhumane to the toads but just added additional advice to deal with the toady problem before being tossed.

I did not mean to come across as accusing you of being uncaring and sincerest apologies if that is how my post appeared.

ChickaDDD
jpinard
16 years ago
koi addict - can you take pictures? If its not cane toads then you'd be eradicating a species from your area for nothing. Technically almost all toads are poisonous, it just happens to be Cane toads have more massive glands than most and a more toxic solution. But any toad has little glands that help protect itself. Most smart animals will puke one up after swallowing it as the stomach gets instantly irritated (and the secretions are supposed to taste horrendous to most animal species).

Now I'm Scared......

Comments (10)

loma_ponder

scottspond

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