[Fort Myers, FL] NBC2 out of Fort Myers reports on a toxic toad that is deadly to the touch for animals.

The bufo toad, the poisonous species originally brought to the area to battle insects, has been linked to multiple deaths and serious illnesses of area pets. Dog and cat owners are cautioned to watch their animals closely when outside.

It  also known as a cane toad, marine toad, Dominican toad or giant neotropical toad. Whatever you want to call it, just don’t touch it – the toads’ poison can also be fatal to humans. It is just that those cases are quite rare.

The toad has a long history in Florida, thanks to efforts to use it to battle insects attacking sugar cane crops. Although introductions before 1936 and 1944 were unsuccessful. Additional attempts also failed.

In 1957, the toad finally gained found a home in the state after being accidentally released by an importer at Miami International Airport. It was also released in 1963 and 1964 by animal dealers, this time on purpose.

Today, the cane toad is well established ifrom the Florida Keys to north of Tampa. Due to their toxicity, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends that residents euthanize the toads.

- Mark Christopher

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