Wildlife Advisements

Background:

The cane toad, also known as the Bufo, Marine Toad, or Giant Toad, is a large amphibian considered an invasive species in Florida. The body of a Cane Toad is usually 4 to 9 inches in size and is tan, reddish-brown to grayish-brown. Its back is marked with spots and will have large, triangular parotoid glands on the shoulders. Unlike native Southern Toads, they do not have ridges or crests on top of the head. 

The skin-gland secretions from a Cane Toad are called Bufotoxins. It is highly toxic and can be lethal to wildlife and pets that try to consume or bite them. Once bitten or swallowed, the symptoms of poisoning include, but are not limited to, excessive drooling and extremely red gums, head-shaking, crying, loss of coordination, and sometimes convulsions, and can lead to death. The toxin can also affect humans by irritating your skin and eyes.

How to Care for Your Pet After a Cane Toad Encounter:

What you do immediately after the incident is crucial to your pet’s safety. Veterinarians recommend wiping your pet’s tongue and gums with a cloth. Secondly, wash your pet’s mouth with water for approximately ten minutes. The goal is to rinse the mouth, tongue, and gums without letting your pet swallow the water. If your pet is large, use a hose. If your pet is small, put him in the sink and use the facet or sink sprayer. Lastly, after rinsing your pet’s mouth, take him to the nearest veterinarian.

For more information, reference the  University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences' pet impact video.

Removing Cane Toads:

Cane Toads are not protected in Florida, except by anti-cruelty laws, and can be removed from private property year-round. The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) encourages the extermination of Cane Toads from private properties. Captured Cane Toads cannot be relocated and released elsewhere. Hired wildlife trappers are available to assist with the removal of these toads, which can be found by searching online. Homeowners may also remove Cane Toads from their property.

Deterring Cane Toads:

The most effective way to deter Cane Toads from your yard is to limit or remove potential habitat and food sources. There are several ways to do this such as cutting your grass regularly, filling in any holes around structures, trimming shrubs near ground level, removing clutter around your home and bring outdoor pet food and water bowls inside at night.

(Information Sources: Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Florida Trend, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences)

(Photo sourced from University of Florida)

Background:

Coyotes are found throughout Florida. This adaptable animal belongs to the dog family and resembles a miniature German shepherd. In Florida, coyotes typically weigh between 15-30 pounds. They have pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, and a bushy tail. Males tend to be larger than females. Coyote fur is usually grayish-brown but occasionally is black. When running, the coyote usually holds its tail at “half mast” or straight out behind it, unlike most domestic dogs. Coyotes can prey on domestic cats and small dogs. To protect your pets, don’t allow them to roam freely. Most coyote attacks on pets occur at night, dusk, or dawn. Keep cats indoors.

How to Handle a Coyote Interaction:

When it comes to handling a coyote interaction, it's important to remember that they can be curious but are also timid and generally run away if challenged. However, any wild animal, including a coyote, will protect itself or its young if it feels threatened. Therefore, it's crucial to never initiate a close encounter with a coyote. If a coyote approaches too closely, the best course of action is to immediately act aggressively toward the coyote. Wave your arms, throw things like stones, and shout at the coyote. If necessary, make yourself appear larger by standing up or stepping onto a rock, stump, or stair. In areas where coyote encounters occur regularly, it's advisable to walk pets at other times besides nighttime hours, dusk, and dawn. 

Deterrence of Coyotes:

Never feed coyotes. Don’t place food outdoors that will attract wild animals. Clean up pet food, fallen fruit, and seeds around bird feeders: secure garbage cans and compost in animal- proof containers. Don’t try to pet a coyote; teach children not to approach any unfamiliar animal. Don’t let coyotes intimidate you. Frighten away coyotes by making loud noises and acting aggressively, such as waving your arms, throwing sticks at them, or spraying them with a hose. Please don’t attempt to hurt it because injured animals are more likely to attack. Be aware of unusual coyote behavior. Examples of unusual coyote behavior include approaching people, stalking pets, chasing joggers or bikers, or attacking leashed pets. Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds. Coyotes and other animals use such areas for resting and raising young. Teach children to recognize and not to run from coyotes. 

For more information, reference the Coyote Safety in the Town of Palm Beach booklet produced by the Palm Beach Police Department.

(Information and photos sourced from booklet listed above)