Description
Cane toads are reddish-brown to grayish-brown with a light-yellow or beige belly and canbe uniform in color or have darker markings around the body. They have enlarged glands behind the eyes, which angle downward onto the shoulders. The glands secrete a potent milky-white toxin (bufotoxin) as defense against predators including domestic pets.
Cane toads generally range in size from 6 to 9 inches in length. They can be confused with the native southern toad, however, adult cane toads are much larger than adult southern toads which only grow to a maximum of approximately 3 to 4 inches.
Cane toads do not have ridges across the head, as seen in the southern toad.
In Florida, cane toads are found in urban, suburban and agricultural areas. Cane toads are commonly found in yards, around buildings or near canals and ponds. Cane toads breed year-round in standing water, streams, canals and ditches.
Potential Impacts
The skin-gland secretions of cane toads (called bufotoxin) are highly toxic and can sicken or even kill animals that bite or feed on them, including native animals and domestic pets. The skin secretions may irritate the skin or burn the eyes of people who handle them. Cane toad eggs also contain bufotoxin and can harm or kill native animals that consume them. Cane toads also potentially compete with native frogs and toads for food and breeding areas.
To safely remove cane toads, wear eye and skin protection, and wear latex, rubber, or nitrile gloves if handling. Captured cane toads may not be relocated and released.Homeowners that need assistance removing cane toads from their property can hire awildlife trapper. It is also very important to make sure that you have properly identified the animal as a cane toad and not a native southern toad, which is a beneficial part of the Florida ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove cane toads from my property?
Yes. Cane toads are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be removed and humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission. To safely remove cane toads, wear eye and skin protection, and wear latex, rubber, or nitrile gloves if handling. Captured cane toads may not be relocated and released.Homeowners that need assistance removing cane toads from their property can hire awildlife trapper. It is also very important to make sure that you have properly identified the animal as a cane toad and not a native southern toad, which is a beneficial part of the Florida ecosystem. Adult cane toads range in size from 6-9 inches long, while southern toads only grow to 3-4 inches long. Southern toads will have well defined cranial crests which look like ridges or horns above their eyes and a small, oval shaped gland visible behind their eyes. Cane toads do not have crests above their eyes and possess a larger, triangular shaped gland behind their eye. You can learn more about how to properly identify cane toads on this video from UF: Cane Toads - How to Identify This Invasive Pest - YouTube.
This videofrom the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences goes over some methods to humanely capture and kill cane toads.
What should I do if my pet bites or swallows a cane toad?
If your pet bites or swallows a cane toad, they can become sick and die in as little as 15 minutes without proper treatment. Cane toads release a milky toxin that can stick in a pet’s mouth. Symptoms may include frantic or disoriented behavior, brick red gums, seizures, and foaming at the mouth. If you see these symptoms, follow these steps:
- Wash toxins forward out of mouth using a hose for ten minutes being careful not to direct water down the throat.
- Wipe gums/tongue with dish towel to remove toxins.
- Get your pet to the vet!
This instructional videofrom the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences outlines these steps.
What can I do to keep cane toads off my property?
Remove places where cane toads or their preycan hide or seek shelter:
- Cut your grass regularly and keep it short
- Fill in any holes around structures
- Trim the underside of shrubs
- Keepbranches or riprap off the ground
- Clear away brush piles
- Remove clutter
Remove food that can attract cane toads and their prey:
- Feed pets indoors when possible
- Bring outdoor pet food and water bowls indoors at night
- Clean up any food scraps from pet bowls or outside tables and grills
What should I do if I come into contact with a cane toad?
Thoroughly wash your hands after coming into contact with a cane toad, as you would after touching any wild animal.
Always wear latex, rubber or nitrile gloves to safely handle cane toads.
What if I have a pet cane toad I can no longer care for?
Escaped or released pets remain a primary source of introduced species in Florida, and it is illegal to introduce nonnative species into the state. Pet owners who can no longer keep their exotic pets, including cane toads, can find a new home for them through the FWC’sExotic Pet Amnesty Program. This program helps reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wildand fosters responsible pet ownership by giving pet owners a responsible and ecologically sound alternative to releasing an exotic animal.Note:The FWC does not rehome wild-caught nonnative wildlife.
