A Cuban native from Pinar del Río, now living in Tampa, Florida, has taken social media by storm after posting an Instagram video showcasing a giant toad she discovered in her backyard, known as Finca la Luz.
Marbely Pentón González and her partner Jorge Rodríguez—known online as @jorgeelbomberofitness—shared the reel titled "Hello Little Toad," which quickly garnered hundreds of comments ranging from sheer terror to affection.
In the clip, Marbely holds the creature up to the camera with a calm demeanor that sent hearts racing, inviting viewers to marvel at its extraordinary size.
"Look at what she caught, check out the size of this toad. Give it a kiss and see if it turns into a prince," Jorge jokes, laughing.
The couple decided to release the toad back into their garden for a practical reason. "The toad eats mosquitoes; they are our pets," explained the content creators. Finca la Luz is also home to koi fish, frogs, turtles, and a variety of other creatures.
Followers reacted with a whirlwind of emotions. "I have heart palpitations watching you; you're so brave, not afraid of any animals," one person commented to Marbely.
Another admitted, "I almost had a heart attack seeing that," reflecting the common fear of frogs and toads, despite them usually being harmless. One of the most humorous comments read: "No ma'am, I'm swiping past this video right now."
The creature Marbely so casually handled is likely a cane toad (Rhinella marina), an invasive species that has been well-established in Florida since the mid-20th century.
These toads can grow between 6 to 9.5 inches, and while they pose no threat to humans unless ingested, their glands secrete toxins that can be lethal to dogs and cats within minutes.
Marbely frequently shares her life at Finca la Luz on social media, where encounters with Tampa's local wildlife are part of the everyday experience, and a toad prince might pop up at any moment.
Understanding the Cane Toad in Florida
What is a cane toad and where is it found?
The cane toad, or Rhinella marina, is an invasive amphibian species found in Florida and other regions. It originated in Central and South America but has spread due to human introduction.
Are cane toads dangerous to pets?
Yes, cane toads can be dangerous to pets. Their skin secretes toxins that can be fatal to dogs and cats if ingested.
How big can cane toads get?
Cane toads can grow to be between 6 to 9.5 inches in length, making them one of the larger toad species in Florida.