Florida’s tropical climate and sprawling suburban landscapes make it a hotspot not just for humans but also for invasive wildlife. Among the most notorious of these intruders? The cane toad.
These large, warty amphibians are more than just an unsightly backyard nuisance—they pose a serious threat to native wildlife, pets, and ecosystems across the state. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cane toads in Florida, from how to identify them to how to keep your pets safe and your property toad-free.
Cane Toads in Florida: Why are They a Problem?
Originally native to tropical South America, cane toads (also known as marine toads or giant toads) were introduced to Florida in the 1930s and 1950s to control cane beetles in agricultural areas. But the plan backfired. Instead of sticking to cane fields, these adaptable amphibians spread rapidly through human-modified habitats—especially in South Florida and Central Florida.
According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), cane toads are now established across the southern half of the state, and their population is growing.[1]
Cane toads are considered an invasive species—they outcompete native toads like oak toads and southern toads, and their secret weapon is what makes them truly dangerous: bufotoxin.
What Is Bufotoxin (Cane Toad Toxin), and Why Should Pet Owners Be Concerned?
Bufotoxin is a highly toxic chemical secreted by the parotid glands behind the cane toad’s eyes. It’s a defense mechanism designed to kill predators. Unfortunately, many pets—especially curious dogs—end up as its unintended victims.
Symptoms of Cane Toad Poisoning in Pets:
- Foaming at the mouth
- Frantic or disoriented behavior
- Seizures
- Brick red gums
- Collapse or death (within a few hours if untreated)
If a pet bites or even licks an adult cane toad, it can absorb bufotoxin through the mouth’s mucous membranes. Time is critical.
If you suspect your pet has come in contact with a cane toad, immediately contact a veterinarian. Rinse the pet’s mouth with a hose for 10 minutes, wiping the gums with a damp cloth. Avoid forcing water down the throat.
How to Identify an Invasive Cane Toad (and Not Confuse It with a Native Toad)
Many homeowners confuse native southern toads with cane toads, which can lead to unintentional harm to Florida’s native species.
Key Cane Toad Traits:
- Size: Adult cane toads can grow over six inches long (but typically 4–6 inches).
- Color: Usually grayish brown to reddish brown with numerous yellow markings.
- Skin: Dry and warty.
- Feet: Slightly webbed rear feet.
- Glands: Large, triangular parotid glands behind the eyes.
- Body: Stout bodies with short legs.
In contrast, native toads are smaller, have less prominent glands, and pose no threat to pets.
Why Are Cane Toads Thriving in Florida?
Cane toads flourish in Florida due to the warm climate, abundance of food, and suburban landscapes. They breed in standing water, feed on pet food, cat food left outside, insects attracted by outside lights, and even small animals.
Common behaviors that attract cane toads include:
- Leaving food bowls outdoors
- Overwatering lawns or having standing water
- Using lights that draw bugs (their primary prey)
And without natural predators in Florida, these toads reproduce rapidly. A single female can lay over 30,000 eggs at a time, and these cane toad eggs hatch in just a few days.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Bufo Toads
Pet safety starts with awareness and prevention. Here’s how to cane-toad-proof your home and yard:
1. Bring Outdoor Pet Food Indoors
Never leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight. These are major attractions for toads.
2. Turn Off Outside Lights
Lights attract bugs, which attract toads. Use motion sensors or yellow “bug lights” if outdoor lighting is necessary.
3. Keep Pets on a Short Leash
If you’re walking your dog at night, use a short leash and monitor them closely. Toads often come out after dark.
4. Check the Yard at Dusk
Before letting pets out in the evening, scan the area. Look near shrubs, bushes, or pools, where toads like to seek shelter.
5. Install Barriers Around Ponds or Patios
Fine mesh fencing can block toads from entering critical areas. Make sure fencing extends a few inches underground, as cane toads exhibit prominent digging behavior.
What to Do If You Find a Cane Toad
Under Florida law, it is legal to humanely euthanize cane toads found on private property year-round. However, they must be killed humanely and in compliance with wildlife regulations.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends the following:
Humane Removal:
- Capture with gloves or a net.
- Place in a sealed container with air holes.
- Use topical benzocaine or lidocaine ointment (like Orajel) applied to the underbelly to humanely sedate before freezing.
Never handle cane toads with your bare hands, and always wash thoroughly afterward. Avoid harming native frogs or toads, which are protected.
If you’re unsure whether it’s a bufo toad, contact a cane toad removal specialist.
Can Cane Toads Be Controlled?
Yes—but not eradicated. Since they are an introduced species, complete elimination is unlikely. However, you can significantly reduce their impact by:
- Removing breeding grounds (eliminate standing water)
- Reducing food sources (control bugs, pick up food)
- Securing pet areas
- Hiring professional wildlife removal services that understand how to remove cane toads responsibly
Communities across South Florida and Central Florida have started education campaigns and local control efforts to prevent the further spread of invasive cane toads.
Call Nuisance Wildlife Rangers to Remove Cane Toads Professionally
Cane toads are more than a backyard nuisance. They’re a legitimate threat to pets, native wildlife, and ecological balance. But with awareness and a few changes to your property habits, you can protect your animals and help stop the spread of this invasive species.
Whether you live in extreme Southern Texas or the suburbs of Orlando, the same rules apply: be alert, remove food sources, and keep your pets away from toads.
And if you’re facing an infestation, don’t go it alone. Wildlife removal professionals can assess the situation and provide long-term strategies to protect your yard and your four-legged family members.
Contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers today to learn more about how we can remove bufo or cane toads and prevent them from returning in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do cane toads pose a risk to children or adults?
While cane toads are not aggressive toward humans, their skin gland secretions can cause eye or skin irritation if handled. Children may be more at risk due to curiosity. Always avoid touching toads with bare hands, and educate children not to pick up frogs or toads outdoors. Wash your hands immediately if accidental contact occurs.
2. Can cane toads survive colder weather in North or Central Florida?
Cane toads are tropical by nature, so they prefer warm, humid environments. However, due to their adaptability, populations have been slowly moving northward, especially in Central Florida, where winters are mild. Cold snaps may reduce their numbers temporarily, but they are unlikely to establish in areas with frequent frost.
3. Are cane toads a threat to native bird populations?
Yes, particularly to small mammals and predatory birds that may try to eat them. Many native species do not recognize cane toads as toxic and may die after ingesting one. This makes them especially disruptive to Florida’s native wildlife and ecological balance.
4. What should I do if I see a large number of small toads in my yard?
This may indicate a recent spawning event. Juvenile cane toads can resemble native species, making identification difficult. If the toads appear in large numbers and coincide with nearby standing water, it may be worth contacting a wildlife removal expert to assess the situation before the population grows out of control.
5. Can cane toads be relocated instead of killed?
No. Under Florida law, relocating invasive species like cane toads is prohibited. This is to prevent the spread to new areas. The best legal and ecological approach is humane euthanasia, or contacting a licensed wildlife control professional for assistance.
6. How can communities work together to reduce cane toad populations?
Neighborhood coordination is key. Community-wide efforts such as shared education, removal nights, and reporting sightings to local wildlife agencies can help manage populations. Encouraging homeowners to eliminate food and water sources collectively is far more effective than individual action alone.
References:
- The University of Florida: The Cane or “Bufo” Toad (Rhinella marina) in Florida
