Seven toxic critters that can be found in Canada
Australia is home to some of the deadliest animals in the world, but toxic critters can be found virtually everywhere -- even in Canada.
Here are seven toxic critters that you can find in Canada -- and one that you usually can't, according to experts.
1. MASSASSAUGA RATTLESNAKE
Courtesy: Wikipedia
The massassauga rattlesnake is the only venomous snake found in Ontario.
It can grow up to a metre in length and while it certainly looks intimidating, wildlife experts are quick to point out this species is actually quite timid and will only strike if it feels threatened.
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The snake only injects its venom into victims about 75% of the time.
People who exhibit symptoms of being bitten require about $9,000 worth of anti-venom treatment.
2. BLACK WIDOW SPIDER
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Though once considered rare, black widow spiders are becoming increasingly common in Canada, possibly due to a warming climate.
This shiny black spider is best identified by a distinct red hourglass mark on the underside of its stomach.
"It spins a small, silk web close to the ground and is found in secluded places like garages and sheds, or under rocks or fallen trees when outside," The Government of Canada writes on its website.
"It is not aggressive and prefers fleeing when disturbed, so it will only bite to defend itself ... If you are concerned about the potential presence of black widow spiders, be careful when working around spider webs in secluded areas, and wear protective gloves if needed."
While bites from black widow spiders aren't usually fatal, symptoms can persist for several weeks and include severe muscle pain, abdominal cramps and muscle spasms.
Some people who are bitten by the spider experience no symptoms at all.
3. CANADIAN TOAD
Courtesy: Wikipedia
This toad is considered safe to handle, despite being toxic. It's the smallest toad in Alberta, ranging in length from 37 to 75 millimetres.
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Its parotid gland secretes a toxin that protects against predators.
This toxin can cause irritation to the eyes and mouth and ingesting the toad can cause illness.
4. HICKORY TUSSOK CATERPILLAR
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Prevalent in the summer and fall across southern Ontario, the hickory tussock moth caterpillar is about 5 cm long with tufts of hair that connect to poison glands.
Touching the hairs releases the poison. This can cause a stinging or itching sensation that can last up to 20 minutes.
5. NORTHERN PACIFIC RATTLESNAKE
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Found in Interior B.C., the northern Pacific rattlesnake can grow up to 1.6 metres in length and is usually found in dry, open land.
It will not strike unless it feels threatened, and will normally slither away to avoid confrontation.
Prior to attacking, the snake will send out a warning by coiling and vibrating its rattle.
Bites are rarely fatal but can cause severe abdominal cramps, nausea and shortness of breath.
6. IO MOTH CATERPILLAR
Courtesy: Wikipedia
The Io moth rangers from southeastern Manitoba to southern Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.
Its green spikes are loaded with poison, and the lightest tough can cause an intense burning sensation.
7. MURDER HORNETS
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Asian giant hornets -- also referred to as 'murder hornets' -- have been spotted in B.C.. They are usually restricted to warmer areas, but experts say they have the potential to migrate east.
The stinger of the Asian giant hornet is about 4.5 mm longer than that of a honeybee, and its stings are far more painful.
Murder hornet venom contains a neurotoxin called mandaratoxin. A single sting isn't normally lethal to a person who is allergic, but multiple stings can kill a human.
WHAT ABOUT THE BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER?
A quick Google search reveals reports that point to the presence of the venomous brown recluse spider in Canada, but experts say this particular arachnid is rarely found in the country.
In the past, some insect bites reported in Canada may have been misdiagnosed as brown spider recluse bites, contributing to the idea the spider is more commonly-found than it actually is.
A report in LiveScience suggeststhat other spider species present in Canada may be misidentified as a brown recluse spider, adding to the confusion.
A 2004 paper that appeared in the journal Canadian Family Physician suggests that 80 per cent of spider-bite diagnoses are incorrect, with the real cause of the discomfort stemming from something unrelated, like a fungal infection, poison ivy or pressure sores.
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Thumbnail image by Cheryl Santa Maria.
