Psychedelic Toads Emerge In Arizona During Monsoon Season

Valley residents have seen an increased number of toads around after recent heavy rains.

However, the Phoenix Herpetological Society warns that one species is toxic to people and pets, FOX 10 reported.

The Sonoran Desert toads emerge when there's enough moisture and humidity in the environment. Unlike the other native frogs and toads in Arizona, the Sonoran Desert toad has glands behind its eyes that release a toxin.

"They’re very easy to see because they’re bright white against their greenish brown skin. That poison can cause dogs or humans to become very sick. It’s used as a defense and not meant to kill their prey like you would see in a rattlesnake," said Katelyn Garcia with the Phoenix Herpetological Society.

Garcia warns people and pets stay away from the toads. Getting the toxin on your skin isn't harmful, but inhaling or ingesting it can be.

“It can cause hallucinations and some cardia dysrhythmias. It can be very dangerous,” Maureen Roland with Banner Poison and Drug Information Center told KTAR.

These toads are the only known animal to produce the chemical psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT, according to Arizona PBS.

People have used the toad venom to get high, but it's illegal in the United States. Now researchers at John Hopkins University and other medical schools are studying if 5-MeO-DMT can be used to mental illnesses, like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, InStyle reported.