Largest Native Toad in North America

As some of you know. I own a pet shop that specializes in reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. This week we obtained this toad from a customer that was moving and no longer had room for a massive amphibian.

Incilius alvarius , the Colorado River toad or Sonoran Desert toad is the largest toad species native to North America. They are found in southern Arizona, parts of California and New Mexico and well as Northern Mexico. This particular toad is about 7 inches long. We are keeping him (not sure if it is a him or her) in a 36" x 18" terrarium with a large water bowl, a cave to hide in and some substrate to burrow in.

These toads make an interesting pet but they are not for handling. They secrete a neurotoxin when stressed, so one should wear gloves when handling or wash hands immediately after touching the toad. It is reported that the toxin has hallucinogenic properties. So if you kiss this toad you might actually see it turn into a prince, even if it is only in your head.