Say No, To Toad Lickings…

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. The Sonoran desert toad, which emits a quick weak low-pitched toot can make someone sick if they touch it or lick it, NPS said in a post on Tuesday. Users often get high from either licking the back of a toad directly or by storing toxins secreted by the toad in their saliva or then touching other parts of their bodies.

“The Sonoran desert toad is known to secrete a toxin that can cause hallucinations, muscle weakness, and other symptoms if ingested,” the post said. “These effects are most likely caused by bufotoxins, which are present in all parts of the toad’s body including its skin.” The Sonoran desert toad is found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It is a relatively small amphibian that measures between one and three inches long. The post said that the toad’s toxin is not poisonous, but can cause hallucinations and other symptoms. So why are people licking it? The answer lies in an urban legend that says a person who licks a toad’s back will experience good luck. The post said the myth is based on a poem by the Australian author Odoevsky. The poem describes a prince who licks a toad and experiences good luck, but it does not mention any specific effect of licking. The post said there is no evidence that the myth has ever been proven true or false. The post said there are two reasons why people may want to lick a toad. The first is that they believe licking the amphibian will give them good luck, and the second is because of its hallucinogenic properties.