toads

Oak Toad

Found among forests, flatwoods, and scrubs, the Oak Toad is an adorable sight to behold. This tiny fella usually makes its burrow in sandy soil and undercover like pieces of fallen trees or loose stones. This toad comes in a variety of earthy colors, such as brown, tan, and gray, though the underside of its feet is a bright orange. The Oak Toad features a darker dappled pattern across its back, and its skin is warty.
The lifecycle of the Oak Toad begins in shallow water sources such as swamps, wetlands, and cypress domes. From April to October, the toads call with high-pitched chirps to attract a mate. After copulating, the females lay their eggs in long strands among aquatic vegetation.
The tadpoles reach the toadlet stage within 4 to 6 weeks but will not reach sexual maturity for another year.
The Oak Toad feasts on various insects throughout its life, enjoying everything from ants to spiders. It should be noted that Oak Toads have parotoid glands, but unlike the CanemToad, Oak Toads are entirely harmless and not a risk to pets. In other words, the small but colorful Oak Toad is a welcome sight in the backyard!
Photo Credit Andy Waldo
Author, Sarina Pennington, IOF Volunteer
Read more

Cane Toad

The Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) is an invasive species. Native to Central and South America, it was released in Florida in the 1930s-1940s to control sugar cane pests.

Cane toads grow to between 4 to 6 inches. Their coloration ranges between tan, brown, reddish-brown to gray. The skin is warty and the back is marked with dark spots. They do not have ridges or crests like the native southern frog. They do, however, have large triangle-shaped parotoid glands, which appear prominently on the shoulders. Breeding takes place from March to September along vegetated, freshwater areas and they lay their eggs in a long, string line, like native toads.

Cane toads are predominantly found in Central and South Florida. They can be found in urban areas as well as agricultural areas, flood plains, and mangrove swamps.
Cane Toads prey on anything that fits in their mouths. Unfortunately, their prey often consists of native frogs, lizards, snakes, and small mammals.

Toxin from a cane toad can irritate a human’s skin and eyes. If a pet bites or swallows a cane toad, they will become sick and the toxin may be fatal. FWC states, “A cane toad’s toxin can kill your pet in as little as 15 minutes without proper treatment. If your pet bites or licks a cane toad, it will likely start acting strangely with frantic or disoriented behavior. It may also have brick-red gums, seizures, and foam at the mouth.”

FWC recommends “If you see these symptoms and believe your pet licked or bit a toad, immediately wash toxins forward out of the mouth using a hose for 10 minutes, being careful not to direct water down the throat. Wipe the gums and tongue with a dish towel to help remove the toad’s milky, white toxins that will stick to your pet’s mouth. Once you have done this, get your pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.”

Keep your cats indoors and your dogs close by when you take him or her outside.

FWC offers these tips to make your yard less attractive to cane toads:

  • Cut your grass regularly and keep it short.
  • Fill in any holes around structures.
  • Trim the underside of shrubs and keep branches off the ground.
  • Clear away brush piles and remove clutter.
  • Feed pets indoors when possible and bring outdoor pet food and water bowls indoors at night.
  • Clean up any food scraps from pet bowls or outside tables and grills.

For more info, click here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/239ad8f?reqfrom=share

Read more

All Rights Reserved Imagine Our Florida, Inc. Copyright 2019