They warn about the presence of the cane toad, an invasive species in southwest Florida.

Meteorologist Matt Devitt warned last Wednesday about the increase in sightings of cane toads in southwest Florida, including a huge specimen measuring a foot long captured on Marco Island, in the southwest of the state.

These invasive toads represent a serious danger to pets, especially during the rainy season when their numbers peak, and they are more active during the night, pointed out on Facebook.

He explained that the cane toad releases a toxin that can be deadly to pets: "If your pet finds and bites a cane toad, the impact will be almost immediate," he warned.

The effects of the toxin can seriously sicken a dog and, without proper treatment, can cause death in just 15 minutes, he underscored.

Devitt recommended pet owners to take quick and specific actions: "If your dog bites one, quickly rinse the toad toxins from its mouth using a hose for ten minutes, being careful not to direct water down its throat. Wipe the gums and tongue with a dish towel to remove toxins. Take your pet to the veterinarian!"

In addition to the risk for pets, the meteorologist highlighted the negative ecological impact of the cane toad, an invasive species that has no place in the local ecosystem.

He advised that, if it is necessary to handle these toads, protective latex gloves should be worn at all times, while also emphasizing the importance of correctly identifying the cane toad before proceeding with its elimination.

This call to caution aims to protect both pets and the environment from the harmful effects of this invasive species.

Last June, another invasive species was spotted in Florida. In this case, a video shared on social media showed an alligator devouring a lionfish, an animal that can cause damage to ecosystems.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a government agency that provides scientific data on land systems, natural disasters, and natural resources, and has warned that this invasive species is more common in Florida than in any other state in the country.

In the past, this species has been responsible for the death of manatees in the state of Florida, according to WBBH.

Recently, a Florida python hunter caught a specimen of 17 feet and one inch -over five meters- in the Everglades, near Fort Lauderdale, and the shocking moment of the capture was caught on camera.

Matthew Kogo, a trapper from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), found the snake in the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area.

The invasive pythons can reach up to eight meters in length and wreak havoc on the native wildlife of that ecosystem in southern Florida, even devouring alligators. According to the FWC, they have reduced some mammal populations by up to 90%. They have no natural predators in the Everglades.