Jun

22

Be Careful How You Handle Sonoran Desert Toad

Filed Under Bufo Alvarius basics | Leave a Comment

“The Sonoran Desert Toad should not be handled,” advises herpetologist Tom Miscione. According to a report published in The Sierra Vista Herald, Arizona newspaper, “The toad secretes a paralyzing toxin that can cause extreme distress and even death in small pets.”

Mr. Miscione was speaking at a Father’s Day at the Carr House, mostly reassuring his audience that snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies are not as much of a worry as some people fear. Although most of his talk was focused on snakes, he did include a reference to Bufo Alvarius, telling people that they should be very careful about handling the Sonoran Desert toad. He did not make any reference to any possible recreational or entheogenic usage of the venom.

But, for anyone who keeps one of these toads as a pet, you should be reminded of what Mr. Miscione said about the habits and diet of the Sonoran Desert Toad.

“It’s generally nocturnal and will eat just about anything that crosses its path from bugs to mice to other toads and frogs.”

The complete article, titled ”Amphibians, snakes, other reptiles aren’t to be feared says herpetologist” can be found online at http://www.svherald.com/articles/2009/06/22/news/doc4a3eff65d4217790645129.txt.