IggyTrap also Removes Cane Toads
How Did Cane Toads Arrive Here in Florida?
The cane toad (Rhinella marina), also known as the giant neotropical toad or marine toad, is a large, terrestrial true toad native to South and mainland Central America.
The Cane toads were introduced to Florida in the 1930s and 1940s to control agricultural pests, particularly beetles that were damaging sugar cane crops. However, this initial attempt wasn't very successful. The current populations are believed to be the result of escapes and releases by importers in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, cane toads have spread throughout central and southern Florida, thriving in urban, suburban, and agricultural areas.
It's quite a story of unintended consequences, isn't it? Do you think there's a way to manage their population more effectively now?
Cane Toads are Highly Invasive and Very Poisonous
Invasive cane toads are considered detrimental in Florida for several reasons. They compete with native species for food and habitat, which can lead to declines in native amphibian populations. Cane toads are also toxic; their skin and glands produce toxins that can be harmful or fatal to predators, including pets and wildlife. Additionally, their rapid reproduction and adaptability allow them to thrive in various environments, further threatening local ecosystems.
IggyTrap Emergency Preparedness Cane Toad Response Kit
Cane Toads are Here. Be Prepared.
Cane Toads are one of the most invasive species in the world, invading Florida, Texas, Australia, and Islands in the Caribbean. These Invasive toads secrete a toxin out their skin (also known as bufotoxin) that can quickly cause serious illness or death in animals that encounter these toads, including pets. Humans can also experience irritation to their skin, eyes, nose, and mouth if contact is made with toad’s secretion.
IggyTrap's Emergency Cane Toad Response Kit is designed to help pets or animals in distress from accidental Cane Toad Poisoning.
These toads are nocturnal and highly populated around Florida. It is crucial to be prepared just in case your pet accidentally encounters one in the yard, on an evening walk, or anywhere your pet may go. IggyTrap’s Emergency Cane Toad Response Kit is a must-have for any responsible pet owner.
Treat the kit as a first-aid kit for your dog. Take on walks or even keep one in the car. Wherever your pet goes, your Cane Toad Response Kit should follow.
The Kit comes in a handy logoed belt bag for hands-free carrying while with your pet. The kit contains:
- 80mL Veterinary-Grade Activated Charcoal Syringe
- Protective Eyewear
- LED hands-free Headlamp
- Disposable tear-proof gloves
- 250mL Wash Bottle
- Water-Based Natural Wipes
- Photo Instructional Sheet for Safe and Educated Administration
Have a Large Property? Ask about our Commercial Cane Toad Kit!
Cane toads can be harmful to domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats, due to the toxic secretions they produce. If a pet bites or tries to eat a cane toad, it can suffer from severe poisoning, which may lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, seizures, or even death. The toxins can affect the heart and nervous system, making immediate veterinary attention crucial if exposure occurs. Even just coming into contact with the toad's skin can cause irritation. Pets might paw at their mouths or eyes, and the toxins can be absorbed through mucous membranes.
Cane toads, also known as Bufo toads, are highly invasive in Florida. Here's why they’re problematic:
- Poisonous: Cane toads secrete a potent toxin from their parotid glands, which can be lethal to pets, wildlife, and even humans if ingested. This toxin can cause severe reactions, including seizures and cardiac arrest in animals.
- Predatory Nature: They have a voracious appetite and can eat a wide variety of insects, small animals, and even pet food, which can lead to a decline in native wildlife populations. This disrupts the local ecosystem.
- Reproductive Success: Cane toads breed prolifically, with females laying thousands of eggs at a time. This high reproductive rate allows them to rapidly expand their population and territory.
- Competition: They compete with native species for food and habitat, often outcompeting and displacing them. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity.
In short, cane toads are a toxic, invasive species causing significant harm to the environment and local fauna in Florida. They remind us why it's so important to prevent the spread of non-native species.
Where Will You Find Cane Toads
Cane toads are mostly nocturnal, meaning they’re active and do their hunting primarily at night. They come out after dusk to search for food, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and the abundance of nocturnal insects.
They tend to be opportunistic feeders, so their feeding times are largely dictated by the availability of food and their environment. During the day, you’ll typically find them hiding in moist, shaded areas to avoid the heat and dryness.
If you’re trying to manage their presence, it’s particularly important to be vigilant in the evening and nighttime hours. What else would you like to know about these nocturnal foragers?
Cane toads are drawn to several factors that make an area inviting for them:
- Moisture: They need a damp environment to keep their skin hydrated. So, areas with standing water, leaky pipes, or even well-watered gardens can attract them.
- Food Sources: Their diet is diverse, so if there are plenty of insects, pet food left outside, or even small animals, they’ll be interested. Additionally, fallen fruits and vegetables can also entice them.
- Shelter: Cane toads seek out places that provide protection from predators and extreme weather. This includes dense vegetation, logs, leaf litter, and man-made structures like sheds or garages.
- Breeding Sites: Water sources such as ponds, ditches, or swimming pools are ideal for breeding. They’re especially attracted to still or slow-moving water where they can lay their eggs.
- Light: Outdoor lighting can attract insects, which in turn attracts cane toads looking for an easy meal.
To make your yard less attractive to cane toads, focus on reducing these factors. For example, clearing standing water, securing pet food indoors, and minimizing outdoor lighting at night. If you're dealing with a specific cane toad issue, I'm here to help brainstorm more solutions!
Available on Amazon - link - Amazon.com: IggyTrap
Cane Toads Will Eat Almost Anything, Including Some of Florida's Endangered Species
Cane toads are not particularly picky eaters, but they do have some favorite snacks. They primarily enjoy:
- Insects: Beetles, ants, crickets, roaches, and caterpillars are staples in their diet.
- Small Animals: They will eat small rodents, reptiles, other amphibians, and even small birds if they can catch them.
- Pet Food: Cane toads are often attracted to cat and dog food left outdoors.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fallen fruits and garden vegetables can also be appealing to them.
Their diet’s variety is one of the reasons they're so successful as an invasive species; they can make a meal out of almost anything they come across!
IggyTrap is Fully Equipped for Humane Trapping and Removal of Cane Toads
If you live anywhere near water, you most likely have Cane Toads. Because they're nocturnal you'll rarely see them, but that doesn't mean your pets won't find them. Pets can easily get on the scent of a Cane Toad, and one bite could catastrophic!
IggyTrap can easily add Cane Toad removal to your Iguana removal program. Ask your IggyTrap Salesperson for more information or call 888-355-4449 (IGGY)