Warning: Don't kiss this toad

Cane toad. King toad. Marine toad. Bufo marinus. Dog poison.

These are all names for what people have called the “perfect invasive species” that lives in most parts of South Florida but originated in South America.

The cane toad eats anything, even pet food. It has no natural predators in Florida, which is another reason for its rapid takeover of suburban streets and pools.

Also, if you were thinking about kissing one of these toads and hoping for a prince, think again Instead it will poison you. The cane toad has glands behind its eyes that secrete a milky-white toxin. The most common victims of “toading” are dogs. They bite, or even eat, the toads and then get sick or die.

How can someone get rid of these pesky toads? Here are a few options:

• Call animal control.
• Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or more specifically, Jenny Novak at (850)926-0128. She can find the toad a home!
• Take it to a nature center or museum in case it wants to use the toad as a display animal.
• Take it to a local vet.
• Euthanize the toad. Put it in a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer for a couple days.

- Reporting by Grace Norberg; sources include Pamela Shlachtman, AP environmental science teacher at Miami Palmetto Sr. High School and Jenny Novak, wildlife biologist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission