The Texas toad (Anaxyrus speciosus or Bufo speciosus) is a common amphibian found across the western two-thirds of Texas, extending into parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico. These toads are well-adapted to various habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and sandy soils, and can even be found in suburban areas, often near irrigation ditches or water tanks. They are primarily nocturnal, becoming more active after rainfall.
Understanding Their Toxicity
Texas toads defend against predators. They secrete a milky-white substance containing toxins from parotoid glands behind their eyes. This secretion acts as a deterrent.
The toxins include compounds like bufotenin and bufogenin, types of bufotoxins. These substances can affect the heart rhythm and other bodily functions, similar to digoxin, a heart medication. The toxins are primarily irritating to mucous membranes and can be absorbed through the mouth, eyes, or open wounds. The amount of toxin released depends on the perceived threat and the size of the toad.
Signs of Exposure
Contact with Texas toad toxins can lead to various symptoms in both pets and humans. For pets, particularly dogs, common signs include excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, and reddened gums. Vomiting and diarrhea are common. In more severe cases, pets might exhibit disorientation, stumbling, tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, or even irregular heartbeats.
Humans may experience skin irritation. If ingested, mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort, can occur. Eye irritation is also possible if the toxins are transferred to the eyes. While not lethal to humans, symptoms can range in severity.
What to Do After Contact
Immediate action after contact with a Texas toad minimizes toxin effects. For pets, thoroughly rinse their mouth and eyes with generous amounts of water, ensuring the head is angled downward to prevent swallowing the rinse water. Following this immediate first aid, seeking veterinary attention is advisable, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
For humans, wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of cool running water for at least 10 minutes. If toxins enter the eyes, rinse them with lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid touching eyes or mouth before washing hands. If significant symptoms develop, contact a poison control center or seek medical advice.
Preventing contact involves supervising pets outdoors, especially during dawn, dusk, or after rain when toads are most active. Teaching children not to handle wild animals without adult supervision also helps prevent accidental exposure.
Identifying the Texas Toad
Identifying the Texas toad helps confirm the species. These toads are medium-sized, typically reaching 2 to 3.5 inches in length. Their coloration varies, often appearing gray, brown, or olive, with darker spots on their backs and sometimes a light stripe down the middle. Their skin is bumpy and warty. A distinctive characteristic is the presence of prominent cranial crests, which are ridges on their head, sometimes forming a “V” shape between their eyes.