It was a perfect day for an adventure, and Javi the javelina, Timmy the tortoise, Jack the jackrabbit, and Xander were all excited. They had hopped aboard the Tucson Trolley Tours’ Hidden Gems Tour for the second time, ready to explore the city again and learn something new. Their trolley made its first stop on the west side of Tucson, near “A” Mountain, where Tom, their guide, had promised something special.
“Alright, gang, keep your eyes open. Monsoon storms bring out all sorts of cool desert creatures!” Tom said as they stepped off the trolley.
Dark clouds loomed overhead, and within moments, the wind began to pick up, rustling the creosote bushes. “Smell that?” Javi asked. “That’s creosote! It always smells amazing before it rains.”
Suddenly, fat raindrops began to fall, and the friends hurried to find shelter under a rocky ledge. The rain came down in sheets, drenching the desert and turning dry washes into rushing streams. After a short while, the rain slowed, and the friends stepped out to a magnificent sight—a double rainbow stretched across the sky, its colors vivid against the stormy clouds.
“That’s incredible!” Xander exclaimed. “Monsoon storms are awesome!”
“Monsoons are super important for the desert,” Timmy added. “They bring most of the rain we get all year, helping plants grow and providing water for animals like us.”
As the sun set and the sky darkened, the group gathered around a small campfire. They roasted marshmallows and listened to the soft chirping of crickets. Suddenly, a deep croak echoed nearby. Out of the shadows hopped a large frog, its skin glistening in the firelight.
“Whoa! Look at the size of that frog!” Jack said, hopping back a little.
The frog blinked at them with large eyes and said, “I’m Fidget. Thanks to the monsoon, I’m finally out and about.”
“Nice to meet you, Fidget!” Javi said. “I didn’t know frogs lived in the desert.”
“Oh, we do,” Fidget replied, settling down near the fire. “I’m a Sonoran Desert toad, also known as the Colorado River toad. We spend most of the year underground, waiting for monsoon rains to wake us up.”
“Wow!” Xander said, fascinated. “How do you survive underground for so long?”
“We dig burrows and go into a state called estivation, which is like hibernation but during hot, dry weather,” Fidget explained. “When the rains come, we emerge to feed, mate, and enjoy the temporary desert pools.”
“Now I get it!” said Javi. “Get what?” asked Fidget. “The surfing frog by Joe Pagac, a local mural artist. Joe is making a joke about the frogs surfing in, riding on monsoon waves.” “Because no one really knows how you all just appear after a storm.”
“That’s incredible and hysterical!” Jack said. “But wait, I’ve heard people talk about licking toads like you. What’s that all about?”
Fidget’s eyes narrowed. “Unfortunately, some people do try to lick or handle us because our skin produces a toxin called bufotoxin, which can cause hallucinations. It’s really dangerous—not just for humans but also for us frogs.”
“Dangerous for you?” Timmy asked, concerned.
“Yes,” Fidget said. “When people handle or lick us, it can stress us out and damage our delicate skin. Even worse, some people try to collect us illegally, which harms our population. We’re an important part of the desert ecosystem because we control insect populations. If too many of us are taken or harmed, it disrupts the balance of the environment.”
Javi frowned. “That’s awful! So, what should people do if they see a frog or toad like you?”
“Just watch us from a distance,” Fidget said. “We’re fascinating creatures, but we’re happiest when left alone. Respecting wildlife helps keep the desert healthy and beautiful for everyone.”
“That makes sense,” Xander said. “Thanks for teaching us, Fidget. I’ll make sure to tell my friends to never touch desert toads.”
The group sat quietly for a moment, listening to more distant croaks of frogs emerging after the storm. “Monsoon season really is magical,” Javi said, smiling. “You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn.”
“Or how many marshmallows you’ll eat!” Jack added, popping another one into his mouth, making everyone laugh.
Respect the Desert, Protect the Frogs
Monsoon storms bring life to the desert, but it’s important to respect the creatures that emerge. The Sonoran Desert toad plays a vital role in controlling insect populations, but handling or licking these toads is harmful to both humans and the toads. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, admire it from a distance and help protect our desert wildlife.
Want to experience the beauty and magic of Tucson’s monsoon season? Book a tour with Tucson Trolley Tours and discover hidden gems like Javi, Timmy, Jack, and Xander did! 🌵🌈🐸
🐾Xander’s Important Warning for Kids: Dogs and Frogs Don’t Mix! 🐸
Hi friends! Did you know that not all frogs and toads are safe to touch? Some, like the Sonoran Desert toad (Colorado River Toad) and the Bufo toad (Rhinella marina), are actually very toxic to dogs! If a dog tries to lick or bite one of these toads, it can get really sick—fast.
Why are these toads dangerous?
- Sonoran Desert toad (Bufo alvarius): Found in the Southwest, including Tucson, this toad produces a toxin on its skin called bufotoxin. If a dog licks or bites it, the toxin can cause severe reactions like drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even seizures.
- Bufo toad (Rhinella marina): Also known as the Cane toad, this species is even more toxic and can be deadly to dogs within minutes if not treated quickly.
What to do if your dog licks a toad:
- Stay calm and act quickly, find an adult.
- Adult: Rinse the dog’s mouth immediately with clean water. Use a hose or a cup of water to gently flush out their mouth. Make sure to direct the water outward so the dog doesn’t swallow more toxin and so that you do not drown the dog. Only an adult should do this. The dog can become very strong.
- Call a veterinarian right away. Tell them what happened and follow their instructions.
- Watch for symptoms, such as excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty walking, or seizures. If you notice any of these signs, get your dog to the vet immediately.
How to keep your dog safe:
- Always supervise your dog when outside, especially near areas where toads might live, like gardens, ponds, or washes after a rain.
- Teach your dog to avoid frogs and toads by using basic commands like “leave it.”
- Know what toads look like! If you live in the desert or near areas where Bufo toads are common, help your parents learn to identify these toads so you can all stay safe.
Remember: Frogs and toads are important for the environment, but it’s best to admire them from a distance. Let’s keep our dogs safe while respecting our desert wildlife!
Stay curious, stay safe, and keep enjoying the magic of the Sonoran Desert! 🌵🐶✨
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