By Brittany Hall-Scharf, Marine Agent II with UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County
During the mid-1930s to 1940s, poisonous cane toads were introduced into Florida to control agricultural pests found in sugar cane fields. Their ravenous appetites and large mouths were attributes thought to be ideal for pest management. However, it is believed this round of released toads did not survive.
In subsequent years, the pet trade industry was responsible for additional cane toad releases. Roughly 100 cane toads were released in the Miami Airport by a pet trader in the 1950s. Other intentional and accidental releases have been documented throughout South Florida. Unfortunately, the invasive cane toad is now well established as far north as Tampa. Contributed by Hernando Sun. Learn More…
