The cane toad is an established invasive species across the Hawaiian islands. Originally from Central and South America, this large amphibian was intentionally introduced in the 1930s by sugar plantation owners to control sugarcane beetles. The toads did not effectively control the pests. Instead, they flourished in the tropical climate, rapidly becoming a widespread nuisance due to their omnivorous diet and explosive reproductive rate. Females can produce egg clutches ranging from 5,000 to over 30,000 eggs at a time, leading to dense populations that compete with native wildlife and pose a serious threat to domestic pets.
Identifying Cane Toads and Understanding the Threat
Correctly identifying the cane toad is essential before attempting removal. Adult cane toads are distinctive, growing to an average length of six to nine inches. They possess dry, heavily warty skin that typically ranges in color from grayish-brown to olive-brown. The head is broad and flat with prominent bony ridges, or crests, running above the eyes and down toward the nose.
The most telling feature is the pair of large, triangular parotoid glands positioned directly behind the eyes. These glands secrete bufotoxin, a milky-white, highly toxic substance, when the toad is stressed or threatened. This neurotoxin is the primary danger posed by the species, as it is rapidly absorbed through the mucous membranes of any animal that licks or bites the toad. The toxin can cause seizures, cardiac abnormalities, and death, making cane toad encounters a veterinary emergency for domestic animals.
Approved Physical and Euthanasia Removal Techniques
The most effective physical removal method is to capture the toads at night, as they are primarily nocturnal and are often found hunting near outdoor lights or water sources. Use a bright flashlight to locate the toads, which can be approached deliberately and quickly to prevent them from hopping away. Capture should be done using a plastic bag turned inside out over your hand or with a net, to avoid direct skin contact with the toxic secretions.
Once captured, cane toads must be euthanized humanely according to approved guidelines. The universally accepted humane method for the public is “stepped hypothermia,” which requires a two-stage process using refrigeration followed by freezing. This method ensures a fast loss of consciousness without pain and avoids the biohazard risk associated with unapproved methods like crushing, boiling, or the application of household chemicals.
To perform stepped hypothermia, place the captured toad in a secure, ventilated container or a double-bagged plastic bag. The toad is first placed in a standard refrigerator for a minimum of two to three hours, which induces a comatose-like state known as torpor. After this chilling period, the container is transferred to the freezer for at least 24 to 48 hours to ensure complete euthanasia. The initial chilling step is important because placing a conscious amphibian directly into a freezer is considered inhumane.
Safe Handling and Legal Disposal Requirements
Handling both live and euthanized cane toads requires adherence to specific safety protocols due to the persistent toxicity of the bufotoxin. Always wear heavy-duty gloves, such as nitrile or thick PVC gloves, and consider wearing eye protection, as the toad can squirt its toxin when stressed. After handling any cane toad or equipment used for capture, thoroughly wash your hands, clothing, and tools to remove any residue of the toxin or potential pathogens like Salmonella.
Once the cane toad has been confirmed dead after the freezing period, the carcass must be disposed of responsibly to prevent secondary poisoning of pets or scavengers. The simplest legal disposal method is to double-bag the frozen remains in sturdy plastic bags and place them in the regular household trash. For large numbers of toads, deep burial is an alternative, provided the hole is at least one to two feet deep to prevent it from being dug up by other animals.
If a pet makes contact with a cane toad, immediate first aid is necessary before seeking veterinary care. Symptoms of poisoning include profuse drooling, pawing at the mouth, and bright red, irritated gums. Flush the pet’s mouth with a steady stream of water from a hose for up to ten minutes, directing the water out of the mouth to avoid swallowing the contaminated water. Gently wipe the gums and tongue with a wet cloth to physically remove the sticky toxin, and then transport the pet to an emergency veterinarian immediately, as the cardiotoxic effects of the bufotoxin can be life-threatening.