Chapter 1: The Fascination of Horny Toads

Throughout history, reptiles have often been viewed with fear and curiosity, tracing back to the time of dinosaurs when they dominated the planet. Today’s reptiles, while generally smaller, can still evoke that primal fear, as seen with alligators and crocodiles lurking in Florida's waterways, posing threats to humans and pets alike.

However, this narrative is not about politics or fear; it revolves around the intriguing lives of creatures like Komodo dragons, monitor lizards, and the diverse species of snakes. With approximately 3,900 snake species existing globally, they thrive on every continent except Antarctica. Notably, Florida is home to 44 snake species—46 if you humorously include local politicians.

My deep affection for reptiles, especially horny toads, began around the age of seven. Growing up in a small West Texas city, I found joy in capturing these unique creatures. The backyards in my neighborhood often extended into alleys, creating spaces filled with weeds and ant mounds—perfect for horny toads.

These fascinating reptiles primarily feast on red ants, of which there are fifteen U.S. species, with the Texas horny toad being the most prevalent. Unfortunately, the introduction of South American fire ants, which they do not consume, has led to a decline in their populations, exacerbated by habitat loss due to urban development.

Fire ants, having arrived in North America nearly a century ago, have proliferated, disrupting local ecosystems and leading to substantial economic costs for eradication efforts. Unlike their red ant counterparts, fire ants do not fulfill the nutritional needs of horny toads, creating a dire situation for these lizards.

Chapter 2: Childhood Adventures in Toad Hunting

My favorite pastime on hot summer days was hunting for horny toads in the alleyways. I would often catch at least one, with the largest I ever found wedged between bricks. These creatures can survive long periods without food, while the tiniest ones were utterly adorable.

One memorable day, I caught a record eight horny toads. I placed them in a box for observation, but their attempts to escape were noisy and persistent. Despite my excitement, I always released them back into the wild by day's end.

A humorous incident involved my sister attempting to take a horny toad for a walk by attaching a string to its neck—a plan that didn't end well.

My friend Marianne also adored these creatures. She named her horny toad Roger and kept him in a ventilated cardboard box. However, when Roger got stuck in one of the holes, she called me for help. Despite our youthful oversight in not enlarging the hole, I managed to free him, which turned out to be quite an ordeal.

After one of my catches, I hoped to reintroduce them into our backyard, but they quickly escaped, as horny toads prefer environments rich in red ants, which a typical lawn lacks.

One particularly distressing day, while on my way home with a newly caught horny toad, it unexpectedly squirted blood from its eyes—a defense mechanism that startled me into dropping it.

Horny toads possess a variety of fascinating traits, including their stunning camouflage and their ability to increase in size to deter predators. Most intriguingly, they can shoot blood from their eyes up to five feet, a tactic that confounds both predators and humans alike.

Carol Lennox reminded me of a delightful tidbit about horny toads: they enjoy having their bellies rubbed! These gentle creatures often close their eyes in bliss during the massage—a simple joy I wish I had remembered during my chaotic encounter.

In southern New Mexico, I frequently encounter horny toads, possibly due to the fire ants' aversion to colder climates. Although I might pursue them for a photograph, I respect their space and allow them to thrive in their natural habitat.

The first video showcases the challenges and joys of raising horny toads at an Air Force base, highlighting their unique behaviors and habitats.

The second video provides a guide on how to care for a horned lizard, including tips on feeding and habitat management.