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General Manager of The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), Deon Gibson, said there are new cases of cane toads in western New Providence, as well as some in eastern New Providence. Cane toads are invasive large, poisonous, warty amphibians that are harmful to humans and pets, and are native to Central and South America. “I believe we would have first started seeing this maybe about five or six years ago,” Gibson said outside the opening of the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority yesterday. “We were seeing a real explosion at a certain point in the far west of New Providence, where there was a lot of development [where] a lot of exotic plants [were] being brought in. “They have now been seen on New Providence as far as, I want to say, Sea Breeze. Of course, there have been some developments in eastern New Providence as well, so they could have likely come from there. “[However], for the most part, the central parts of the island don’t really have any issues. So it’s kind of concentrated, which I guess is kind of good.” He added, “The more females we kill, unfortunately, the better, because they can lay up to 200,000 eggs a year. “And so, we have to be very, very careful. And obviously, we want to attract those more than the males when we carry out any exercises.” Gibson said should you spot the lumpy creature to report it to the Department of Environmental Health, the Department of Agriculture’s, Animal Control Unit, or a local professional. He also said, “There have been some inspections in the past where we have seized entire container loads of plants because they were discovered. “And these are the type of efforts that will be ongoing through the likes of BAFSA and the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Health whenever discovered. “The advice I would give to residents would be, as normal, be cautious if you have pets that live outside or feed outside. Don’t leave the food outside because we know that if those cane toads go to food ... [or] their toxins get into that food, it could cause seizures and even death in small pets, dogs, cats, whatever it may be. “Also, you don’t want your animals to have direct contact with them because those same toxins will have similar effects.” If one is spotted in your yard, Gibson said you can throw a wet towel on the creature to limit mobility while you call for assistance. Should you wish to catch the toad yourself, Gibson advises using latex gloves and a fishing spear to capture and safely remove the amphibian.
