Giant Frogs Invade the U.S.

No joke, it’s true! Discovery Channel reports:

Giant Frogs Raid Toilets, Power Lines

They’re giant Cuban tree frogs, they’re toxic, they have big appetites, and they’re an invasive exotic species. Despite their name, there’s no evidence that their presence here is due to a Castro plot. They came here from the Caribbean pet trade, and then made a break for it or were turned loose by irresponsible pet owners.

Here are some great pix and a detailed article, courtesy of the University of Florida Wildlife Extension. They come in many different colors; it’s almost too bad they’re so darned cute! But then, they are an exotic species, so you are allowed to keep them as pets – confined safely indoors.

(Added 1/8/08):
Also see:

• Cuban Tree Frog Care Sheet
• Florida Exotic Wildlife, Species Detail: Cuban Tree Frog
• “Meowing” Frog Prompts 8 Hour Search of Home
  “Firefighters Drill Through Home’s Pipes, Wall During Search” – you can guess what the noise turned out to be!
• All About Frogs: Cuban Tree Frog
• Cuban Treefrog (large photo)

Cuban tree frog eating crickets (video):

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