Category: Amphibians
The Cane Toad is a very large, terrestrial toad native to the extreme southern United States and Central and South America. The largest toad on record was 15 inches long and weighed almost 6 pounds! Once commonly exported outside their native countries as a means of pest control in sugarcane fields (hence the name “Cane Toad,” these toads have become invasive species in many locales. They have toxic glands that can be deadly to predators and curious pets, and must be handled cautiously. Their incredible appetites, long life spans, and easy breeding make them popular pets.
Learn more about the Cane Toad at Wikipedia and Reptiles Magazine.
Make sure you retract your eyes 30 times before swallowing!
It has long been known that Frogs retract their eyes and close them while eating, leading scientists to suspect that frogs use their eyes to help them swallow. This suspicion was finally confirmed in 2004, when the northern leopard frog was observed by scientists retracting its eyes while swallowing crickets, actually using them to help push the food toward its esophagus!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
