Photo: Village of Tequesta
Village of Tequesta officials are warning residents to Beware of the "Giant Toad."
That's one name for the Cane toad, which also goes by the Bufo or Marine Toad.
It's a large invasive species that can grow to as big as nine inches. They're tan and can either be reddish brown or have a gray color and the toads are marked with spots.
The village warns that the toad is highly toxic to pets and wildlife that try to bite or eat them.
Once bitten or swallowed, the symptoms of poisoning include convulsions and eventually death.
The toxins can also cause irritation to human skin and eyes.
Pet owners are urged to keep an eye on their pets outdoors.
Here are some ways to care for your pet if an encounter has happened, provided by the Village of Tequesta:
Wipe your pets tongue and gums with a cloth
Rinse your pets mouth with water for about 10 minutes, while also being careful to not let your pet swallow water. It's advised to use a water hose for larger pets, and a sink faucet or sprayer for smaller pets.
Take your pet to the vet immediately.
Tips to keep cane toads away from your property:
Regularly cut your grass
Fill in any holes around structures
Trim shrubs near ground level
Remove clutter from around your home
Bring outdoor pet food and water bowls inside at night.
Tequesta says Cane Toads are not protected in the state of Florida except by animal cruelty laws. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages extermination of Cane Toads from private properties. If someone captures a Cane Toad they cannot be relocated and released elsewhere. There are hired wildlife trappers that can assist with the toads removal.