A Rare Restricted Species Of Frog Hitchhiked To North Carolina
A close-up shot of a Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis)
While it looks harmless and even slightly cute this frog is not allowed in the state of North Carolina. It’s a Cuban Tree Frog which is considered invasive and therefore is a restricted species of frog in the state. The frog was found in the car of someone who had driven to North Carolina from Florida.
According to UFWildlife, the frog is “native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. These treefrogs were accidentally brought to Florida in the 1920s.” Even then they were hitchhiking. Though in that case, it was most likely in cargo containers on ships. Cuban Treefrogs are considered invasive in because of their likelihood to harm ecosystems as well as cause issues for humans. They secrete a ‘slime’ from their skin that can irritate the human nose and eyes, and even trigger asthma attacks.
The frog was turned over to BeWild Reptile Rescue, the organization then filed for an educational permit with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to be able to keep and study the animal. They were approved for the permit but the animal will have to permanently reside at the rescue.
It was smart thinking by the driver to reach out to the rescue. I most likely would have just opened my door and unknowingly release a restricted species of frog into the wild.
List: The Top 11 Places To Retire In North Carolina
It’s never too early to dream about retiring. How can I be one of those people who retire in their 30s? #goals. And if you’re retirement dreams include moving to a quaint town full of relaxation, amenities, and activities then you’re in luck. There are some fantastic places to retire in North Carolina. Whether you want to golf, the beach, the mountains, or a slightly more suburban feel you won’t be bored in these places!
Niche.com compiled a list of the best places to retire in North Carolina. The list was calculated “based on the number of retirees, weather, and access to healthcare and entertainment. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. ”
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that most of these locations are on the water. Some are all small-town vibes, while others are close enough to larger metros if that’s what you need! Now I just figure out how to grow my retirement fund by 100x or maybe just hit the lottery. I could handle working a fun part-time job while enjoying all these towns have to offer. Oh well, at this point I’ll just dream!
Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.
