Whenever the National Park Service sends out a warning to visitors, usually it has to do with keeping the parks clean or preventing harm to animals. However, their latest warning was definitely one no one was expecting. The National Park Service recently took to social media to warn people to stop licking psychedelic frogs.
There are a number of National Parks throughout the southwest that are home to the Sonoran desert toad. One of the largest toads found in North America, the Sonoran desert toad also is known for secreting a potent toxin that has psychedelic properties. Now, the National Park Service is warning their guests to stop trying to lick the toads, claiming it can cause great harm.
“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,” the National Park Service said in their now viral post. According to CNN, Possessing the toad’s poison, known as bufotenin, is illegal in some states. Sadly, guests will just have to find another reason to visit the parks.
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