Community Corner

Deadly Toads Spotted in Temple Terrace

A resident says she's seen the dangerous creatures out and about.

Temple Terrace residents might want to keep an eye out for toads while walking their dogs.

Patch reader Annette Renny posted a note on Temple Terrace Patch alerting pooch owners that she’s seeing Bufo marinus toads out and about.

These toads are lethal to dogs and are responsible for last year’s death of a Jack Russell terrier.

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Willie, who belonged to Deborah Barrett, was playing in Barrett’s back yard last fall when he encountered a Bufo marinus toad and bit into it, the City of Temple Terrace reported in a press release in October 2012. He killed the toad, came inside, and went into convulsions within five minutes. He died in the car on the way to the vet.

Bufo marinus toads are an invasive species that has taken hold in Florida, the city stated last year. The large grayish-brown toads secrete a powerful toxin from their glands. That toxin is highly poisonous to dogs, cats and other animals that bite or eat them.

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If you suspect your pet has bitten a Bufo toad, rinse its mouth and paws with water and seek veterinary help immediately.

Pets aren’t the only ones who should avoid interaction with the toads. People should stay away from them, too, experts say. If you do handle one of the toads, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and wash your hands thoroughly.

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