PET OF THE WEEK

A pair of pals

By The Bahamas Humane Society

”Well, I’m sure you can figure out where I was found! I’m that good looking, slightly fluffy female dog on the right. I’m Asa and I’m about two and a half years old. My buddy Dawn is about the same age, and both of us are at the Bahamas Humane Society hoping that we’ll find a home or homes of our own very soon!

“I like other dogs, but am not too keen on cats. I’d love to have a family who’d welcome me inside, maybe head to the beach once in a while, and shower me with love. Are you up for it? If so, come to the BHS to meet me or call 325-6742 for more information. Dawn and I look forward to seeing you soon.” in between. In short, the cane toad is not something we want to find in our gardens.

If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, volunteer.

If you can’t volunteer, donate.

If you can’t donate, educate!

Help make a difference!

Different organisations have been trying to educate the Bahamian public on the danger of the cane toad and I believe that the Bahamas National Trust has been pretty effective, so much so, that I think many of us had almost forgotten the cane toad, but now we are hearing about it once again.

If you see one in your garden it is very important not to touch it. There are many different theories as to what to do and how to handle them. I personally will, if I ever see one in my garden (which I haven’t), immediately call the Bahamas National Trust and ask for guidance. There are groups trained in their safe removal.

How do you recognize a cane toad?

I went online and here is what I found out:

They are quite large, measuring between 4 to 6 inches, but can grow larger.

They have a stocky body with a prominent head. The body is generally round with a thick warty skin.

Their colouration can vary. But normally shades of brown, grey or olive. The patterns on their bodies can include dark spots or blotches which unfortunately provides excellent camouflage.

They have large raised glands behind their eyes, these bulge visibly, they secrete a toxin substance when threatened or afraid.

Their eyes are large and positioned at the sides of the head.

They have short legs relative to their body size.

The hind legs are robust and designed for hopping. The front legs are shorter ad less developed.

The cane toad is not skilled at climbing vertical walls like our local frog is. They are better suited for moving across the earth. They are very unlikely to even attempt to scale a vertical wall. Their ability to climb or traverse obstacles is very limited. However, they do have a powerful jumping ability, which helps them outrun a predator.

The bottom line is that we most definitely need to be on the lookout for them. If you think you see one, take a photo and post it. There are lots of knowledgeable people on Facebook who can tell you if it is indeed a cane toad. Those same people will tell you what to do.

Meanwhile, be watchful in your garden. You do not want your dogs or your children messing with a cane toad.

I have a friend who lived in Nassau and went back to the States with her beloved Dachshund, and within the first week he was in the garden and went after a cane toad and the poison killed him. There was nothing they could do.

If you suspect your pet has tangled with a cane toad, phone your vet immediately and get the animal to medical help. It is better to be wrong than sorry. If there is a probability he or she has been poisoned, get the help your pet needs as soon as possible; minutes count.

In the meantime, stay safe and keep a look out, and report sightings.