Are You A “Sonoran Toad Licker?”

First, I NEVER thought I’d have to ask that question – but I do! On Election Day 2022, this is another sobering reminder of just how stupid people can be.

The Guardian reported yesterday on a new and dangerous phenomenon:

“The US National Park Service is warning people to stop licking one of the largest toads in America, due to a toxin it secretes from its glands that can create a hallucinogenic experience.”

YES. We now must be warned not to lick “hallucinogenic toads.”

They report that the Sonoran desert toad emits a quick, “weak low-pitched toot” – and something else as well.

For some reason, licking it has become a new trend, even though it can make someone sick if they touch it or lick it.

The Guardian’s story goes on to note that even though it’s dangerous, it’s a new trend!

“Toad-licking, however, has become a way to get high, and has long been considered life-threatening. Not every toad can induce a high, and for those that can, the high they deliver varies from toad to toad.”

That’s right, people think they can get high by licking the back of a toad directly or by storing toxins secreted by the toad to use later!

Somebody call Darwin!

It’s A “Toad Licking” High!

Apparently, hallucinations and euphoria are the known effects of this activity, but there are serious and dangerous side effects as well – licking a toad can cause anxiety, nausea or seizures and, in some cases, death!

“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.”

It’s hilarious head-scratching that the National Park Service would actually have to release such a request!

The “Sonoran Desert Toad” is also called a “Colorado River Toad” – and is about seven inches long, and its toxins are released from glands near its eyes and jaw.

If you want to know more, here is a link to the whole wild story!

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/07/toad-licking-us-national-park-hallucinogen

This reminds me that no matter how close we get to nature, there’s a reason we still need to keep our distance:

Look at this magical image of playful Dolphins in the ocean – I’ve been lucky enough to see it up close – whales too!

Click here for my Pacific Ocean adventures:

Some of you may have seen this video I shared – of a happy family of Deer walking up the street ahead of me:

This happens a lot around our house – and yes, there are deer in Beverly Hills!

Click here for more:

And I also shared this video of my Elk encounter:

See how close I got and how many there were by clicking on my story here:

And if you want even more exotic wildlife, how about this?

A two hour flight south from Los Angeles will take you to the magical Baja California town of Cabo San Lucas:

Just a few of the incredible images I captured on a trip there…but nothing compared to coming across a pod of migrating Whales…they were very playful and visible – take a look:

You can see more of this magical trip – including the “Piranha Fish” we encountered – kind of – by clicking on my story here!

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Let me know if you’d ever lick a Sonoran Desert Toad – and if you like the story, share on social media!

Categories: Books / Media, Exotic Travel, Funny Pictures, nature, Pop Culture, Travel, Travel Adventures, what the Friday

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