Pet parents know that they have to be extra careful when it comes to their four-legged family members. Dog owners likely already know that they have to make sure their pups don’t get into chocolate, while cat owners are probably well aware of the danger associated with their cats eating lilies.
But when you live in an area with dangerous wildlife, you need to be on the lookout for a whole different type of threat, like this Arizona family who found a humongous toxic toad in their backyard. Fortunately, they were able to secure the toad before calling an expert with Snake Guru, LLC to safely (and humanely) remove it from their property.
Now, the wildlife pro is sharing the story to warn other homeowners in the area about the potential dangers, telling them what they need to know if they have these types of creatures in their yards.
Don’t worry, no animals were harmed during the making of this PSA.
Arizona Homeowner Calls a Wildlife Expert After Finding a Toxic Toad in Their Backyard
Snake Guru, LLC shared the story on Facebook, explaining how a Phoenix, Arizona homeowner had reached out to the company after discovering a Sonoran Desert toad, according to The Dodo. Owner Nick Massimo went out to take a look at the problem, which is when he found the toad under an orange bucket, which the homeowner had used to keep it (and his dogs) safe while he waited for help.
Massimo filmed the removal process, posting a video on Facebook after it was done. “They have two dogs at this home and are just a block or two from a school,” the caption for the video said. “Because this toad produces toxins that are potentially deadly to people and pets, it was determined that it should be taken away from potential conflict and released back into a suitable place in the Sonoran Desert around Phoenix, Arizona.”
Later, Massimo reflected on the rescue operation, explaining just how amazing the whole ordeal actually was.
“This is one of the largest individuals I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve been a professional herpetologist for over 16 years,” he told The Dodo after his video went viral. “For several years, all I focused on was amphibians, so this is definitely a larger individual.”
There Are Plenty of Dangerous Creatures Living in the Wild
Even pet parents living outside of Arizona should be on the lookout for potential dangers in their yards, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. The Sonoran toad is unique in that it is poisonous to any animal that touches or ingests it. In the U.S., venomous animals are more likely to harm people and pets. There are a number of venomous creatures located in North America, and the hotline says that they include snakes (like pit vipers and rattlesnakes), toads (like the Colorado River toad), scorpions, spiders (the black widow and brown recluse both get a shoutout), and more.
Fortunately, the Arizona homeowner realized that something was wrong before his dogs got hurt. This story highlights just how important it is for pet parents to make themselves aware of the potential dangers lurking in their region.