The Sonoran River Toad or the Colorado River Toad as it's sometimes called inhabits the southwestern portion of the United States and the northern portion of Mexico. Lured out of its burrows by the summer rains, the toad is nocturnal but occasionally can be seen in the late afternoon or early morning hours, especially after a rainstorm. Carnivorous by nature, the toad feeds on insects, small lizards and even other toads to survive.
As part of its defense mechanism, the toad produces a toxin that is potent enough to kill its predators. This poison is a chemical that is part of the hallucinogenic tryptamines family and can cause hallucinations and can also raise body temperatures with increase heart rates as well.
Farming these toads for the toxin is illegal under Arizona law, though possession of the toad itself is allowed. Other states such as California and New Mexico have placed the toad on the endangered and threatened species list and prohibit the capture of the toad.
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