Several decades ago, the toad-aga (Latin Rhinella marina), a tailless poisonous amphibian native to South and Central America, was introduced to Florida. It is the second largest toad on the planet; its body length reaches 24 cm, its weight is more than a kilogram. Adults prey on arthropods and other invertebrates, including locusts, snails and ants, and authorities have decided to relocate the toads to combat these pests.
But the idea was unsuccessful: the toads themselves soon became a serious problem for the residents of the state.
They have very few natural enemies: rare representatives of the fauna are immune to their poison, so most animals try not to enter into conflict with the aga toad. In a climate that suits them, toads reproduce at a record rate, with a recent surge in populations seen in the vicinity of Palm Beach Gardens on the east coast of Florida. After a warm winter, rains started here, and a huge number of tadpoles hatched in the local lake.
Having developed into young toads, the tadpoles set off "to the big world", and now the inhabitants of the city cannot put their feet on the ground so as not to step on the little aga.
The skin and internal organs of the aga toad are impregnated with bufotoxin - a poison of convulsive action, so it is better not to touch the toads and wash your hands thoroughly after contact with amphibians. According to the local conservation organization, poisonous toads are not dangerous for people if you do not lick them (which only small children are asked to watch out for, and play with their equally poisonous eggs). Outdoor pool water can also contain traces of toxin, leading to allergies. The worst enemy of the toad-aha are for pets. Their venom affects the heart and nervous system, causing profuse salivation, convulsions, vomiting, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, sometimes temporary paralysis and death from cardiac arrest. In case of contact with eyes, blindness may result.
Cats and dogs can get poisoned by deciding to bite a toad. Moreover: the contents of bowls left outside will be contaminated if they decide to rest in a bowl of cool water or crawl over food left for pets. Symptoms of poisoning are changes in the pet's behavior, which may suddenly become overly excited; as well as vomiting, wobbly gait, and reddened gums. Only after the onset of these symptoms will arrhythmia and serious health problems occur.
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Residents of areas where aha is found are advised to follow the walks of their pets during periods of toad activity, remove food from the street, thin out bushes where amphibians can hide, and, if possible, fence off the site with a net. At the first symptoms of poisoning, the animal should be shown to the veterinarian.
Meanwhile, experts warn that in the coming days, a second wave of the ag invasion will come to Palm Beach Gardens: ideal climatic conditions allowed them to lay eggs in two runs in a row.