National Park Service urging people not to lick toxic toads, which produce psychedelic venom
CBSN
The National Park Service is urging visitors not to lick toxic toads that can be found in its parks. The Sonoran desert toad, also known as the Colorado river toad, secretes a potent toxin that can make people sick if they handle the toad or get the poison in their mouths.
The toad, also called – Bufo alvarius, or psychedelic toad – is one of the largest in North America and is nearly 7 inches long. Its croak is a "low-pitched toot," which lasts less than a second, the National Park Service says.
"As we say with most things you come across in a national park, whether it be a banana slug, unfamiliar mushroom, or a large toad with glowing eyes in the dead of night, please refrain from licking. Thank you. Toot!" a Facebook post reads from the National Park Service.
