I have written here several times about Reptile Ramble, the program at Tohono Chul Park in which two herpetologists and a handful of docents talk about and demonstrate live reptiles (snakes, lizards, and turtles mostly).
Yesterday was one of the days when I was privileged to participate in the show. As usual, I got to demonstrate my favorite snake, Leo the Common Kingsnake, whom I babysat for this summer. But I also got to demonstrate a different type of herp, an amphibian: the Sonoran Desert Toad. We don’t usually have a toad, and I had never even held one before.
These toads are surprisingly large (the size of a bullfrog). They spend most of the year underground, waiting for the rainy season. From late May through the summer they emerge to mate in temporary rain pools or permanent streams. Their voices when mating are said to sound like a sheep being strangled.
I am wearing gloves in the above photo because the toads exude a toxin from their parotid glands (large, wart-like protruberances behind their mouths). This toxin has psychedelic properties, and was used by Native Americans to bring visions. It is dangerous and even fatal to dogs, however, and any dog that licks or mouths a toad must have its mouth washed out with a hose (from the side) and taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
The most fun thing to me about the Sonoran Desert Toad is its exuberant hopping. We had a few dozen first-graders at the program yesterday, and they screamed and laughed in delight when I set the toad on the ground. It began hopping around, fast and high, no doubt trying to escape. I had a heck of a time re-catching it, but finally did. What an amazing creature it is!
How fun! Glad you (and the toad) had an appreciative audience.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katy!
DeleteLoved the pictures. The first one makes the toad look bigger than the kid behind it. Dick used to bring home toads in barrels when he collected snakes. Usually there were much fewer by morning. The big ones ate the little ones. Then they were bigger. ;-) I don't remember why he collected them. I know he sent the rattlesnakes east to a zoo, but who needed the toads? And I don't know how he could have shipped them. Just don't remember that part.
ReplyDeleteWell, somebody may have wanted them for the toxins, for psychedelic purposes. This was the sixties, after all. Poor little toads. :-(
DeleteNo, he didn't sell them to druggies. He sent stuff to zoos in NY--the rattlesnakes for milking, etc. Maybe the toads were for the same.
ReplyDeleteThat's one helluva toad! Looks like he's just coming down from his Wild Ride.
ReplyDeleteHis wild hop, anyway. That is one energetic amphibian!
DeleteWhat fun. Glad you got to have a new reptile experience. I am sure Leo is in no danger of becoming second favorite. We were bird watching at a fish hatchery. See you soon. S
ReplyDeleteIt was great fun. You guys should come to the show next time we have a toad. They are such funny-looking little things. Look forward to roving with you!
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