Freaky FL Animals: Toads, Caterpillars Invade Sunshine State

FLORIDA — Though they are not your usual alligator neighbor, toads that could kill pets and fuzzy rash-causing caterpillars have reportedly invaded Florida.

The Sunshine State has become infested with cane toads and tussock moth caterpillars, WFLA reported.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission defined cane toads as "non-native" amphibian that could potentially poison most animals that attempt to bite or eat them.

Meanwhile, the University of Maine said tussock moth caterpillars could cause itchy rashes on humans - though their prickly hairs are non-poisonous and non-venomous.

Here are five things to know about cane toads:

• Cane toads were used in Florida in the 1930s and 1940s to control agricultural pests in sugar cane, the wildlife conservation commission said. Modern-day populations of these toads could be the result of escapes and releases by importers in the 1950s and 1960s.
• They are commonly found in central and south Florida, south of the Interstate 4 corridor, the commission said. They are found in urban, suburban and agricultural areas.
• Cane toads eat vegetation, insects, small birds, other toads or frogs, lizards, small mammals and snakes, the commission said. Additionally, they may eat human table scraps and pet food.
• They are also known as the bufo, giant or marine toad, and are only protected by an anti-cruelty law in Florida, the commission said. They "can be removed and humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission," the commission said.
• Anyone seeking to remove a cane toad should wear eye and skin protective gear and wear latex, rubber or nitrile gloves when handling the toad. The toad cannot be relocated and released, the commission said.

Here are five things to know about tussock moth caterpillars:

• The Florida Museum of Natural History said these caterpillars, which are larvae of tussock moths, largely exist in north central Florida. The three insect species in Florida are the fir tussock moth, the white-marked tussock moth and the definite tussock moth.
• The caterpillar eggs hatch in late February and early March, and are considered to be mature by early April. Cocoons can be found outdoors in places such as homes and park benches, the museum said.
• Tussock moths can strongly tolerate warm climates.
• Children are more susceptible to develop rashes from these caterpillars than adults, per the University of Maine. Some rashes can clear up on their own after at least two hours though others can be long-lasting.
• To get rid of the tussock moth caterpillars, residents can sweep around their houses into a pail of soapy water or by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and removing the cocoons with tweezers, the museum said.