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belval
> In Australia, dogs have become addicted to mouthing the toads and getting high from the venom. There are even said to be humans Down Under who boil the toads and drink the broth, with all kinds of psychedelic and horrible consequences.

Is that an actual thing? Dog getting addicted to a substance and understanding that it comes from mouthing the toads?

seanw444
This is hilarious. The dogs are getting psychedelic in Australia. It makes too much sense.
hobs
It's been widely reported for decades, I remember hearing about it as a kid.
Enginerrrd
Lots of mammals have been observed intentionally seeking states of intoxication.
2000UltraDeluxe
Not sure how it's that much different from moose and deer breaking into peoples' gardens to eat half-fermented apples on the ground to get drunk.

Animals like to get high too, it seems. :)

rjknight
If you're interested in this topic, I can very strongly recommend the documentary "Cane Toads: An Unnatural History". There seems to be a copy on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SBLf1tsoaw

I rarely say this, but I believe that you will not regret it.

danw1979
From 1988 ! The first few minutes have not disappointed…

Edit: Now half way through. This film is a work of genius.

Cockbrand
I've only gotten around to watching it today - excellent and surprisingly fun documentary, thank you for the link!
positus
This was delightfully well written. Thanks for sharing.
iancmceachern
I dont think it was on the Aussie ones, but Hamiltons Pharmacopeia did an episode on toad venom, suowr interesting, this variety can be artificially synthesized now

https://youtu.be/3WMA1_PdgRQ