Toadzilla runs riot over Australia!

[wraithfodder]

Okay, there's cute Knut  the polar bear cub and now there's ... TOADZILLA! I've been following the prolific cane toads in Australia for years, but now they found a BIG one.


You can read the full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6499713.stm or just google.com/news and search for 'toadzilla.' ;) I remember reading that these toads will eat anything, even cigarette butts, and they're toxic to the touch as well.

Comments

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

Vile. And here we have yet another reason to live in the south of the country. No cane toads in my part of Aus, thank you very much!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Well, for now....

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2007/s1883422.htm

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

Ha! They'll get to NSW before they get to me. Long live Victoria and its cane toad free state!

[nebbyjen.livejournal.com]

I read about it yesterday and *shudder* .... that's one big toad. Can you imagine the women on the search going to the guys "Oh, heck no, I am NOT picking that thing up! You get it."

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I'd only pick one up if I was wearing gloves! Sure don't want that toxin on me.

[sgafan33.livejournal.com]

If they're toxic to touch, did that person holding toadzilla barehanded keel over moments after the photo was taken?

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

They're toxic if you eat them (or lick them, as some folk are prone to do, eeeuuuu) but no doubt can cause skin irritation. Technically you should wear gloves when handling a cane toad, but people don't always. Here's a good FAQ on the critters: http://www.amonline.net.au/herpetology/faq/cane_toad.htm

[alaxes.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't touch toadzilla even if he wouldn't be toxic to the touch ^^'
But it's amazing how big he is

[a-pilgrim-soul.livejournal.com]

I love amphibians - I don't know why I've always had a thing for them, my garden is a perfect place for them and I have frogs, toads and newts breeding in my pond but even I'd think twice if confronted with that in my back garden. *lol*