Where “Cane Toad” Comes From
Cane toads were brought from Hawaii to north Queensland in 1935 in the hope that they would eat the beetles damaging sugar cane. They didn’t solve the problem, and they spread widely across northern Australia.
Their skin releases a poison that harms many native animals and pets, so they’re treated as a serious pest.
“The dog got sick after mouthing a cane toad.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it in the north, in news stories about pests, and in warnings for pet owners.
In Real Life
Cane toads are a well-known example of an introduced species gone wrong. They breed quickly, eat nearly anything and can poison predators that try to eat them. Community groups in the north hold toad-busting nights to remove them from local areas. Wildlife authorities have guidance on humane ways to deal with them, and pet owners should keep animals away at night.
Quick Questions
Why were cane toads brought to Australia?
To control beetles that were eating sugar cane in Queensland, but it didn’t work.
Are cane toads poisonous to dogs?
Yes. They can be fatal, so see a vet quickly if your pet mouths one.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: KAYN TOHD.
In conversation:
- Watch out for cane toads at night.
- Cane toads are all over the yard.
- The dog found a cane toad.
Good to know: Cane toads are poisonous to pets. If a dog or cat mouths one, wash the mouth out with water and see a vet straight away.
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