Remember the doomed, cane-toad-eating crocodiles? Well they’re still eating, and dying: A new report suggests that as much as 77 percent of the crocodile population along the Victoria River has now perished from toad poisoning.
In yet another example of the “solution to one problem becomes an even bigger problem” doctrine, cane toads were purposely introduced to the region as a pest-control measure for beetles in the sugar cane fields. But sure enough, the toads soon became pests themselves, to the point where volunteer groups are trying to stop the toads’ spread across the continent.
One community has been promoting “cane toad golf”—basically whacking the toads with golf clubs. A more humane way, experts suggest, is to put the toads in the fridge until they’re numb and then transfer them to the freezer to kill them.
The toads are especially afraid of the cold and pretty much stop moving below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Though, of course, would you really want one of these warty things in your fridge?
Related Content:
Disco: Crocs Chow Down on Invasive Toads, Instantly Regret It
80beats: What Can Stop the Cane Toad’s Onslaught in Australia? A Cold Snap
Image: flickr / Michael Henderson
