The cane toad also known as the bufo, giant or marine toad is a large, nonnative amphibian that has been introduced into Florida.
Cane toads are considered an invasive species and are poisonous to most animals that try to bite or consume them. Cane toads are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be removed from private property and humanely killed year-round with landowner permission.
Captured cane toads may not be relocated and released. A permit is not required to possess cane toads as personal pets. Cane toads are reddish-brown to grayish-brown with a light-yellow or beige belly and can be uniform in color or have darker markings around the body.
They have enlarged glands behind the eyes, which angle downward onto the shoulders. The glands secrete a potent milky-white toxin bufotoxin as defense against predators including domestic pets. Cane toads generally range in size from 6 to 9 inches in length. They can be confused with the native southern toad, however, adult cane toads are much larger than adult southern toads which only grow to a maximum of approximately 3 to 4 inches. In Florida, cane toads are found in urban, suburban and agricultural areas.
Cane toads are commonly found in yards, around buildings or near canals and ponds. Cane toads breed year-round in standing water, streams, canals and ditches. Cane toads are omnivores and eat a variety of vegetation, insects, small birds, other toads or frogs, lizards, small mammals, and snakes.
