Earlier this week, Nick Massimo received a call from a worried homeowner in Phoenix, Arizona. Massimo owns the wildlife relocation company Snake Guru, LLC — and his services were being requested.
The homeowner had just found a Sonoran Desert toad in their
backyard. Native to the region, the toads spend much of the year underground. With the arrival of the summer monsoon, the toads have begun emerging from underground. For pet owners, that can pose a serious risk.
Sonoran Desert toads exude a toxin that can be fatal to animals — and the homeowner has dogs. So, they contained the toad beneath a bucket and reached out to Massimo for help:
Massimo knew what he was about to find beneath the bucket, but he wasn't expecting her "humongous" size.
“This is one of the largest individuals I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve been a professional herpetologist for over 16 years,” Massimo told The Dodo. “For several years, all I focused on was amphibians, so this is definitely a larger individual.”
Massimo used the opportunity to warn pet owners about the danger posed by Sonoran Desert toads before driving to a rocky outcrop to release her where she'd be safe from predators and the scorching sun:
Within the U.S., Sonoran Desert toads are found primarily in Arizona, with their range extending into parts of California and New Mexico. They are most active during the Southwest monsoon season. As native wildlife, they are protected under Arizona law.
Massimo hopes that anyone who encounters a Sonoran Desert toad (or any native wildlife) will keep a safe distance and reach out for help if necessary.
“They should call a professional company, like Snake Guru, LLC, to come out and assist if that’s needed,” Massimo said. “I want the protocols and procedures that we use to help prioritize wildlife conservation and stewardship in my community and beyond.”
