Knowledge Base

The Giant Toad (a.k.a. Marine Toad or Cane Toad) is the largest of the frogs and toads found in Florida. The giant toad is not native to the United States. It was originally released in the U.S. in sugar cane fields to help control “white grubs,” larvae of pest Scarabaeidae. B. marinus became established in southern Florida as result of accidental release of about 100 specimens from the stock of a pet dealer at Miami airport in 1955, and by subsequent releases by pet dealers in the 1960s (Krakauer, 1968). Giant Toads are a highly predacious exotic species that will eat all types of native frogs and toads. This species is skilled at locating all types of food, they have even been known to eat pet food.

These cane toads can be very dangerous and deadly to pets.

There is nothing the FWC or Collier County Government can do about stopping these toads.

To dispose of them humanely it is recommended to catch and freeze them, Just put the cane toad in a bag and put it in the ice box freezer in the garage for 3 days and then dispose.

For more information about the Cane Toad, please click: here.

You can also read the IFAS-University Extension Blog at: Cane Toads