- Common Toad
Toads are many children’s companions after a rainy day. They are found all over the United States, and are easy to catch, making them a favorite critter among kids big and small.
You may have seen a toad’s defensive stance when you pick them up. They stand on all four legs, trying to make themselves look big and tough.
What you don’t see, unless you look closely, is that they also can secrete toxins from glands on their skin behind the eyes.
Not only does the toxin smell bad, it can be lethal for other animals and humans alike.
Unlike many other poisonous species that have to be ingested to deliver their toxins, the common toad can be prove fatal through a simple touch.
Resist the allure of fairy tale magic, and teach your children that kissing a frog does not turn them into a prince, but instead makes them have seizures, vomiting, and heart trouble.