Poisonous Bufo Toads: Toxic to Children and Pets of Hawaii

The Cane Toad, Marine Toad, Bufo Marinus or more commonly known in Hawaii as the "Bufo Toad" is an amphibian of the Bufonidae family. It's essential to anyone who lives near Bufo Toad habitats to be aware of this life-threatening amphibian. If your child or pet comes in contact with one, you will need to know proper first aid to save their life.

If you see a toad in Hawaii, it's most likely a toxic Bufo Toad. These toads are easy to identify. A Bufo Toad has a dry warty hide that may be yellowish-green, olive-brown, reddish-brown or grey. Their heads are boney with ridges shielding their eyes. Bufo's bellies are pale with dark molting. These toads can be 4-9 inches long and can weigh up to 2 pounds.

Bufo Toads have toxic secretions that ooze from parotoid glands located on the back of their necks once they feel threatened. If one is squeezed there is a high probability that the venom will inject into its victim's eyes. The Bufo Toad will often arch his back in the direction of anyone that comes within close proximity.

Adult Bufos are most active at night looking for insects or other sources of food. They are known to eat pet food left outside. After rainfall I often see them hopping through my front yard no matter the time of day.

These toads breed in still to slow-flowing water. They reproduce rapidly and have been known to live in captivity up to fifteen years. I live near a drainage ditch and have a high population of these poisonous toads hopping about.

I have contacted the Poison Control Center after finding our home is 15 yards from a Bufo Toad habitat. I was informed that there have been a few reports of children being poisoned by these poisonous toads. The poison center expert said keeping children away from the toads is the best prevention from being poisoned. In the event of a child touching one, immediate hand washing should follow. This is important incase the child tries to rub his/her eyes, nose or mouth. After thorough hand washing call the Poison Control Center immediately. They will have a series of questions to determine if the child has been poisoned. If the child has been subject to poisoning there will be steps provided over the phone to aid the child.

It's most common for dogs to become poisoned by Bufo Toads. In Hawaii up to 50 dogs a year die after being poisoned by Bufo Toads. When the dog mouths the toad it instinctively defends himself by releasing its venom from its parotoid glands. Often times the dog will bite down on the toad enabling poisonous venom to squirt directly down the dog's throat.

Usually the dog owner becomes aware of the issue once the dog exhibits excessive drooling while shaking its head relentlessly. First Aid should be administered right away. This would include washing out the dog's mouth with a steady stream of water. Don't point the water down the dog's throat. Wipe toxic secretions off the gums and teeth with a cotton towel and rinse again with water. If symptoms continue seek veterinary assistance immediately.

People new to the area may not know that these toads inhabit Hawaii. I myself live in a military community where I often see kids and dogs playing in the Bufo Toad habitat near my home. Let's spread the word about these toxic amphibians to help keep our children and pets of Hawaii safe.

Sources
American Association of Poison Control Centers
Australian Museum Online
The Honolulu Advertiser
Pet Education.com