The Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris), a medium-sized amphibian native to North America, is easily identified by its distinct appearance, featuring a pattern of dark, rectangular spots arranged in two rows down its back. Unlike many other frogs, the Pickerel Frog possesses a powerful defense mechanism in its skin. When threatened or handled, it secretes irritating toxins as a protective measure to deter predators.
The Source of Toxicity
The irritation experienced upon touching a Pickerel Frog originates from specialized structures in its skin known as granular glands. When the frog is stressed, these glands release a milky fluid containing a complex cocktail of defensive chemicals directly onto the skin surface. This secretion is not an injected poison, meaning the toxin must be transferred to a sensitive area to cause a reaction.
The active components in this secretion belong to a class of compounds referred to as ranatoxins, which includes molecules like bradykinin and various bradykinin-related peptides. These peptides cause immediate pain and discomfort in an attacker. They act by stimulating sensory nerve endings and inducing a rapid inflammatory response, which serves as an effective deterrent.
Symptoms of Exposure
The consequences of touching a Pickerel Frog are related to the sensitivity of the area that makes contact with the toxins. Simple contact with intact skin generally results in only mild, transient effects. However, if the secretions are transferred to broken skin, a minor cut, or an abrasion, symptoms manifest as localized redness, a burning sensation, or an itchy rash.
Contact with mucous membranes poses the highest risk for severe discomfort. If the secretions transfer from the hands to the eyes, nose, or mouth, intense pain and a severe burning sensation will rapidly occur. Eye exposure can lead to excessive tearing (lacrimation) and may result in temporary vision impairment until the toxins are flushed away.
If the frog or its secretions are inadvertently ingested, such as by a small child, the toxins can cause gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms commonly include nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of sickness. The peptides can be dangerous to small domestic animals, such as dogs or cats, who might mouth or bite the frog. In pets, the toxins can lead to profuse salivation, vomiting, and systemic issues due to their smaller body mass.
Immediate Response and Prevention
If you touch a Pickerel Frog, the immediate action is to thoroughly decontaminate the affected area to minimize irritation. You should immediately wash your hands or any contaminated skin with warm water and soap. This scrubbing should be prolonged, lasting for at least 15 to 20 minutes, to ensure the peptides are fully washed away.
For eye exposure, continuous irrigation is necessary to prevent lasting damage. The eyes must be flushed with copious amounts of cool, clean water for a full 15 minutes, using a shower or gentle stream from a faucet, while holding the eyelids open. After flushing, if pain persists, vision changes occur, or if a small child or pet has ingested the frog, professional medical attention should be sought immediately.
The best way to manage contact is to avoid the frog altogether, as it only releases toxins when handled. Preventative measures include teaching children never to pick up wild amphibians or reptiles, and wearing gloves if you must move a frog. Never rub your eyes or touch your face until you have thoroughly washed your hands after any contact with wild animals.