Toxic Toad Invasion: Florida Residents Thrilled

Thousands of toxic toads are invading a neighborhood in Florida, posing a real threat to pets and children. "You can't walk on the grass without stepping on one," says a local resident.

Known as "cane toads," these creatures range from 6 to 9 inches in length. Florida authorities are now worried the toads are multiplying rapidly, and without an effective plan to eliminate them, they could become a significant public nuisance. "They cover every square inch," says Jennifer Koash, a resident of Palm Beach Garden—a neighborhood heavily impacted by the toads.

"Rain encourages toad breeding, and as long as they have sugar cane fields, they don't need much else," explains an expert. The toads have established their homes on entire fields of sugar cane in South Florida. "The heavy rainfall a few weeks ago triggered their breeding cycle," Mark Holliday told NBC. "If your pet ingests even one, it could be life-threatening."

Originally brought to Florida in 1936 from Central America, cane toads were used by farmers to combat sugar cane pests, but are now considered an invasive species by the USDA. Their toxin, a milky substance loaded with harmful chemicals, primarily affects heart function, according to National Geographic experts.

"We expect it will be very challenging to completely eradicate them," added Holliday. "In the coming month, there will be a significant surge of toads that I predict will spread throughout Florida," he concluded.