Second, “size of a small dog”? Look, I’ve got a small dog, sure he may not be the smallest dog that ever lived, but he is, by anyone’s definition, small. My dog is about 8 times the size of that toad.
Is it that important to exagerate the size of the toad when it is clear from the pictures that it really is a big toad, even if not the size of a “small dog”?
Yes I suppose it is the size of a small dog, in the same way that it is the size of a small elephant.
Funny, I JUST read this on MSN. These things are responsible for killing snakes and crocodiles?!?!?
I think it’s got a nasty look on it’s face, if such a thing is possible…
Re: the size issue, I was almost hesitant to click on the story, after envisioning what I thought was a small dog in toad form…I guess they maybe mean something that could fit into a Paris Hilton purse???
Unfortunately they were intentionally introduced to Australia to help protect the sugar cain plantations. They are now a big problem across the top of Australia as they breed like rabbits and pose a big risk to other wildlife.
If you ever get the chance, be sure to watch the Australian documentary about these toads! Cane Toads (1988). It is actually done in a very hilarious style, much like the current mock-umentaries (Spinal tap, etc). A true gem of a movie, and it is about toads of all things.
I remember returning to Cairns after a nice dinner north of Port Douglas up in the Daintree.
There were so many cane toads on the paved road that night it was too dangerous trying to swerve to avoid them. So I slowed a bit and drove “normally.” It felt like the road was just a series of speedhumps all the way back to the motel.
Ah, dogs are small in Darwin. The climate keeps them that way because the humidity affects their growth. Hence, the comparison.
I’ve seen it, I think it comes on IFC or something now and then. One old guy had them in his yard like pets. I don’t see how they’ll ever be able to control them unless a toad plague or something comes along.
They are also prevalent in South Florida; dogs occasionally get ahold of one & the results can be tragic. I never saw one that big (OP picture), but they ain’t small.
Meh. I could’ve sworn the Bufo M. that a classmate found in elementary school (in Miami) was larger. He picked it up, carried it over to some of the other kids (to scare them; mission accomplished!), and then the toad pissed all over his arm (to yet more squeals and screams). Only then did our teacher arrive to let us into the classroom. You wouldn’t normally use the word “sensational” to describe the second grade, but that morning was sensational.
I rented that documentary once and was underwhelmed by it. Short and not nearly as funny or interesting as I was hoping it would be, sorry.
I’m just glad they’re not breeding in Maine, or Stephen King would be writing about them. As it is, Carl Hiaasen refers to them in his Florida farces, and that’s plenty.
