animals

National Park Service Urges Visitors Not to Lick Toxic Psychedelic Toads

The Sonoran Desert toad excretes a toxin through its skin that can make humans sick, though some have sought it out for its potential psychedelic effects

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While some may be tempted to offer the Sonoran Desert Toad a kiss, the National Park Service urged visitors to leave the potentially deadly amphibians alone.

In a Facebook post last week, the government agency warned visitors against licking the toads if they stumble across them. It's unclear whether there was a specific instance to prompt the advisory, but "here we are," the National Park Service wrote.

"These toads have prominent parotoid glands that secrete a potent toxin," the post said. "It can make you sick if you handle the frog or get the poison in your mouth."

People have exploited the toad's toxin as a psychedelic, smoking it to experience euphoria and hallucinations, according to the Oakland Zoo.

Read the full story at NBCNews.com.

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