Toxic Toads in Southshore: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

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Cane Toad Season in Southshore

Hey Southshore—add this to your “Only in Florida” list: it’s cane toad season again, and these chunky little land mines are back on the move.

If you're not familiar, cane toads (also called bufo toads) are invasive pests with a nasty secret: they release a toxic goo when threatened. And while they won’t leap at you like something out of a horror movie, they can seriously harm or kill your pets if licked, chewed, or otherwise snacked on.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) says dogs and cats can become sick—and even die—in as little as 15 minutes after exposure. Yes, it’s that serious.

🐶 Your Pets vs. Poisonous Puddle Frogs

• Cane toads don’t bite or sting—they’re more of a "lethal if licked" situation.

• They secrete poison from shoulder glands when they feel threatened (so... often).

• If your pet foams at the mouth, has seizures, or looks disoriented after a toad encounter, wipe the inside of their mouth with a wet cloth and get them to a vet immediately.

🙋 Are They Dangerous to Humans?

Not unless you’re into licking wild amphibians. (If that’s your thing, we’ve got a different article for you.)

In short: cane toads aren’t venomous to humans and won’t hurt you by touch alone. But you definitely don’t want that toxin on your hands—especially if you're about to eat a sandwich or rub your eyes.

Wear gloves or use tools if you have to move one, and wash up afterward like you just chopped jalapeños.

🐸 Toad or Not a Toad?

Here’s how you know you’re looking at a cane toad:

• Flat, broad head that looks like a little riot shield

• No ridges between the eyes (southern toads have them—leave those guys alone)

• No sticky toe pads—cane toads aren’t climbing walls like Spider-Frog

• And let’s be honest: they just look like they’d charge rent to squat in your backyard

But real talk—if you’re close enough to ID a toad’s facial structure like it’s a DMV photo, you’re already braver than me.

When in doubt, assume it’s toxic and treat it like you would an expired chicken salad: don’t touch, don’t taste, dispose carefully.

🔪 How to Get Rid of Them (Humanely)

The FWC actually encourages homeowners to remove cane toads, since they’re invasive. And yes, you’re allowed to kill them.

Their “officially recommended” method? Put the toad in a bag and pop it in your freezer.

Look—I’m all for following guidelines, but let me be real: I’m not putting a poisonous amphibian next to my pizza rolls.

If you're like me and prefer your freezer to remain amphibian-free, here are some alternatives:

• Double bag it and place it in the trash (preferably on pickup day)

• Call a pest control company that handles invasive species

• Use a tool like a dustpan, shovel, or long tongs to scoop and relocate—gloves highly recommended

Whatever you do, don’t relocate them to a neighbor’s yard. That’s not neighborly—it’s passive-aggressive biological warfare.

🛠 How to Toad-Proof Your Yard

• Don’t leave pet food or water bowls outside—yes, these toads are scavengers

• Trim shrubs so they don’t touch the ground

• Eliminate standing water, dripping hoses, and clutter

• Fill in holes and gaps around your home and fencing

Southshore, we love our wildlife—but not the kind that poisons our pets and squats in our gardens. Keep your eyes peeled, your freezer toad-free, and your pets safe.

🐾 Got tips or a cane toad horror story? We’re all ears. Email us at [email protected]

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Apollo Beach’s Jesseudi Marcelino Named Spectrum Scholar

Apollo Beach has a reason to celebrate—Jesseudi Marcelino, a standout student from East Bay High School, has been named a Spectrum Bay News 9 Scholar, earning one of just four $1,000 scholarships awarded across the Tampa Bay region.

Ranked fourth in her class, Jesseudi is known for her leadership, integrity, and tireless work ethic. She dedicated all four years of high school to JROTC, ultimately serving as Executive Officer and receiving medals for both academic excellence and military leadership.

Beyond JROTC, she led as Student Government President, contributed on the Superintendent’s District Council, and was active in the National Honor Society—balancing it all while pushing herself to excel.

Now, she’s headed to the University of Florida, where she plans to pursue a career in the U.S. Air Force as a software specialist. Her passion for service, problem-solving, and leadership will no doubt make an impact wherever she goes.

From the classroom to the community, Jesseudi represents the very best of Southshore—and we’re proud to watch her soar.

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