You may really love amphibians, or you may find them completely gross. Either way, it’s a good idea to know which ones can potentially kill you, especially if planning on visiting assorted jungle locales. Let’s review a few of the most dangerous amphibians on the planet and what they can do to you.
Golden Poison Dart Frog
Generally speaking, if you see a brightly colored frog, run in the other direction. Bright colors are a telltale sign the animal is poisonous. The Golden Poison Dart Frog, for example, is bright yellow with greenish-black legs. It resides in the rain forests of Central and South America, and features poison so toxic even small amounts of the stuff can kill you. We’re talking 0.0000004 ounces of poison. Yep. The poison attacks the nerves and muscles, and ultimately causes death via respiratory or muscular paralysis.
Colorado River Toad
This chubby toad is also called the Sonoran Desert Toad. It lives in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Both skin and venom are poisonous, with glands the main defense system. The poison is enough to kill an adult dog; however, the chemicals it emits are also used in drug consumption. They cause auditory hallucinations and euphoria when smoked, but should not be taken orally. In other words, do not lick this toad.
Blue Poison Dart Frog
The Blue Poison Dart Frog lives in southern Suriname, South America, and can be found near moss-covered rocks and small streams. The frog is bright blue with dark blue and black spots on various body parts. It secretes poison to keep predators away. While the amphibian may not be as deadly as the Golden Dart Frog, it’s still a good idea to maintain a good distance.
Other dangerous amphibians include the common toad, cane toad, Pacific newt, American toad, and Fowler’s toad, among others.
Have you had a run-in with a dangerous amphibian? Share your story in the comments section!