Anyone else smell that?

Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus peritoaktites)

Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus peritoaktites)

Cute Frog of the Week: October 4, 2010

If you’re slightly frightened by this guy, then you might just have the right idea.

Sure, they may look harmless when you come across one, but don’t be fooled—smoky jungle frogs are far from defenseless. They are one of the largest frog species, and their skin contains a toxin that causes painful burning when it comes in contact with cuts or scrapes. If the frog is handled in an enclosed room, the toxins will cause everyone in the room to break out into sneezes, and will cause their eyes to swell and noses to run. The toxin also produces a strong and pungent odor, which some of the rescue project’s members recently discovered the hard way.

These frogs are also avid carnivores, feeding on things from frogs and lizards to small birds and mammals, and even large invertebrates.

To hear the alarming sound these frogs make when feeling threatened, check out this video from the BBC.

Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke, Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project.

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Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.