Jake hunts frogs (or anything else that dares to come into his yard). Problem is, there are some poisonous toads so I try to keep an eye on his safari adventures, especially at night. Lately, it’s been a non-issue because he can’t really see.
Which is good since I found a GIANT POISONOUS TOAD IN OUR YARD. (Just typing that takes me back to the horror filled moment).
Thankfully I found it and not Jake. And thankfully my dad stocked my tool closet with a shovel. Melvin would have sensed that thing and ran inside, never to return outside again. Jake would mount that toad and hold on tight, even as it sprayed poison into his face, He’d die trying to wrestle that dinosaur thing.
This is the toad I found, please note it’s size in comparison to a normal size brick. In addition to its gianormous length, It was easily as high as the brick. I thought it was pregnant. It was the size of a large grapefruit. 
Our dog walker will confirm that this is how big it was (not our photo, just showing this to explain to you the GIANTNESS OF IT!). She was there when then war went down. 
And here it is tainting up the bucket I captured it in (I threw the bucket away, I mean I can’t keep it now, it’s a reminder of frogmagedon). It is honestly the size of an adult turtle. Look at its fat arms, I think it’s on steroids.
I don’t really enjoy nature. I certainly do not enjoy poison. But if any animal threatens the safety of my dogs, well you might have poison sprayers on your neck, but I have a dad-issued-shovel and an industrial sized bucket and I will take you down.
PS. If you are wondering how to tell if a toad is poisonous or not, see, those kidney-shaped lumps on its back, just below his head — those are the glands that house the poison. Normal toads do not have those. You’re welcome.
I was almost too scared to look at the pictures, but then I realized the pictures couldn’t “get” me.
HAHHAHAHAH! RIGHT???!!! So gross.
Thank you for the poisonous frog data. The world needs to know. (This does remind me of the time I got Daisy in a curious death dance with a crawdad on the sidewalk. Daisy was curious. The crawdad was threatening death.)
Just goes to show, suburbia can be very dangerous!
That right there is some good information to have – thank you! I knew there were poisonous toads out there, but would never know how to identify them. That thing would completely skeeve me out.
That thing was right out of Jurassic Park.
I really need to stop reading your blog when I am at school. It seems I either laugh or cry. This time I was cracking up at my hall duty as my principal walked by. Oops. I am teaching zoology this year and I may share this blog when we get to amphibians. Thanks Tracey. Glad you both survived frogmagedon.
HHAHAHAHHAH! At least you could claim it was ‘work related’!!!
This may be the fastest I have ever read through one of your posts….. And I will STILL have nightmares tonight! I’m terrified of all things LOL (squirrels, chipmunks, toads/frogs, spiders, worms)
I know, i had to look away when typing it!
I love nature, but definitely not a fan of poisonous things.
Glad you got to it first!!
I like being out in nature but I don’t like anything poisonous and some things that aren’t poisonous scare me too. But, if anything is threatening Boomer and Dottie you know I’ll take it down!
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Normal toads have them too all toads are toxic.
I’m afraid that’s an American toad. Not toxic enough to kill a dog/cat or person. If your dog or cat ate one It may vomit a little and get an upset stomach but not a real threat to your pets. Cane toads are what you have to look out for.
HOLY CRAP I have 5 toads and this scared me but none are poisonous