Poisonous Toads Infest Suburban Florida Neighborhood

The toads are clogging pool filters, hopping en masse across driveways and sidewalks, and lurking in landscaped lawns

Palm Beach Gardens is being plagued by thousands of poisonous toads that have invaded the Florida suburb.

Experts say the amphibians are bufo toads, also known as cane toads. Residents in the infested neighborhood worry toxins secreted by the toads will harm their pets and children.

News stations broadcast images of the small toads clogging pool filters, hopping en masse across driveways and sidewalks, and lurking in landscaped lawns.

"I'm worried about people's pets, so there's definitely no swimming in the pool or playing outside and enjoying the outdoors," resident Jennifer Quasha told WPTV.

Mark Holladay of the pest removal service Toad Busters told WPTV that recent rains coupled with warm temperatures sent the amphibians into a breeding cycle.

Holladay said even more toads are likely to spread throughout South Florida in the coming weeks.

Bufo toads can cause symptoms in dogs that include drooling, head-shaking and in some cases convulsions and death, South Florida veterinarian Ian Kupkee told NBC 6 last year

"Toads are bad news for dogs," Kupkee said. “The trick is these are not frogs. Toads look warty. Assume every toad is poisonous to your dog.” 

Symptoms like panting, disorientation and dilated eyes can occur within five to 10 minutes after the dog is exposed. 

Owners should rinse the animal's mouth out with water and wipe the substance away from its lips and tongue before taking the dog to the vet. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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