Toad Sprays Poison!

TL;DR

Cane toads have poison stored in their parathyroid glands, which can be harmful to pets and humans if it comes in contact with their eyes or mouth.

Transcript

• I'm Coyote Peterson. This is a cane toad. He's extremely toxic, and tonight, I'm gonna show you where he keeps his poison. (bear growls) (exciting adventure music) (bear growls) Look at that toad. Totally toxic. And totally right next to my face. You may be wondering, "Coyote, are you in any sort of danger right there?" Not unless I plan on eatin... Read More

Key Insights

• 😃 Cane toads store their poison in parathyroid glands located behind their eyes.
• 💀 The poison is a sticky, white substance that can shoot out from the toad's pores.
• 😷 The poison is highly toxic and can make animals, including pets, sick or even cause death if ingested.
• 🫢 Humans should be cautious as well, as the poison can cause severe illness or injury if it comes into contact with the eyes or mouth.
• 💀 Squeezing the parathyroid glands to extract the poison does not harm the toad and is for demonstration purposes.
• 🧑‍🦯 Cane toads are an invasive species in certain areas, so caution should be taken to avoid contact with them.
• 💀 The poison looks similar to a zit and can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Questions & Answers

Q: Where is the poison in a cane toad stored?

The poison is stored in the parathyroid glands, located behind the toad's eyes. It is a white, sticky substance containing a powerful toxin.

Q: What happens if a pet plays with a cane toad?

If a pet starts batting a cane toad around, the toad will puff up its body, causing the glands to swell and secrete the toxin. This can make the pet sick and potentially lead to death.

Q: Can humans get sick from the poison of a cane toad?

Yes, if the poison gets in contact with a human's eyes or mouth, it can make them severely ill. Extreme caution is advised when dealing with cane toads.

Q: Does squeezing the parathyroid glands harm the cane toad?

No, squeezing the glands does not harm the toad. They constantly produce the poison, and extracting a small amount for demonstration purposes does not cause any harm.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The poison in cane toads is stored in their parathyroid glands, located behind their eyes.

• If a toad feels threatened, it will puff up its body, causing the glands to secrete the toxin.

• The poison is highly toxic and can make animals sick or even cause death.