What you need to know about Sanibel's Cane Toads

We love our wildlife on Sanibel Island, but when a species that is not indigenous makes its presence known and also threatens our native species, we do take notice.

Such is the case with the Cane Toad, a very large toad, reaching up to 5.5 inches in length and possibly near five pounds in weight.

And though that might not sound frightening, given other Island creatures that are significantly larger, the Cane Toad gives new meaning to the term: Don't judge a book by its cover.

This species poses a SERIOUS threat to wildlife on Sanibel, as well as domestic pets. The large glands behind the eyes and above the shoulders (parotoid glands) produce a toxin (bufotoxin) that is both irritating and deadly to smaller wildlife. When a predator grabs a giant toad in their mouth, the toad inflates its body and the toxin oozes out of the parotoid glands into the mouth of the predator. It is well documented that the poison has killed pet dogs in south Florida. The literature and conversations with veterinarians and pet owners indicate it is a horrific death for the animal.

There have even been human fatalities from this species from toad-licking. The tadpoles are also toxic, which can lead to fatalities in many animals that consume them. Special care should be taken to prevent dogs, cats, etc from biting or grasping these toads in their mouths.

And yes, we realize there are no doubt those reading this who are wondering why in the world would any human being lick a toad, so we will provide the answer.  Toad licking is a "sport" among those wishing to get high.  While the toxin can kill, it apparently also can create a drug like effect.

So the Cane Toad is not exactly a welcome guest on the Island, as you can imagine.

The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is asking assistance in finding these toads so that they can be found and removed. They have provided multiple photos and details as well as the sound the toad makes at this page: http://www.sccf.org/content/262/Cane-Toads-Found-on-Sanibel.aspx

It is also good to note that , as in many other cases, the Cane Toad was deliberately introduced into the Florida landscape.  Cane toads were brought to Australia in the 1930s to control cane grubs in sugar cane fields. They did not control cane grubs and started eating smaller vertebrates. They have spread throughout northeastern Australia and are still a serious threat. They were released in sugar cane fields in Florida to control a larval form of a beetle as well, hence the name "cane toad." Just like in Australia, they escaped from the area and became established. Also, there is a record of approximately 100 being accidentally released in the 1950s in Miami by a pet dealer.

Their existence on the Island is most likely accidental.  They were probably brought here in mulch, pine straw, sod, plants, or even tadpoles hiding in a small pool of water on any object transported to the island.

When using the term unintended consequences, certainly the importation of the Cane Toad is a good example.  Please keep  a look out during your stay on Sanibel.