Do frogs have warts?

Ribbit-ribbit! With their bumpy, wart-looking skin, it’s no surprise that frogs and toads have often been blamed for giving people warts. But in reality, the idea that frogs and toads cause warts is really just a myth!

The real cause of warts is any one of many strains of a virus that gets into your skin when you come in contact with it, like when you have a cut. Most people come in contact with this virus without knowing, such as by accidentally touching a wart on another person, and most warts are easily treatable.

Although they look like they’re covered in warts, the bumps on a frog or a toad actually have nothing to do with the germs of a wart-causing virus; mostly, a frog or toad’s bumpy skin is meant to help him or her with camouflage or self-defense (by releasing poison) and it definitely can’t cause you to get warts!

Although touching frogs and toads can’t give you warts, you should still be careful when handling them just like you’d be careful around any other animal. Some types of toads and frogs have glands that secrete a type of poison to scare off their predators that could be dangerous for you to come in contact with. Never try to pick up or catch a wild frog or toad and always follow the advice or instructions of an adult when handling a pet toad or a pet frog.

Like the idea that frogs can give you warts, what are some other myths you’ve learned about? 

For example, have you ever heard the myth that if you swallow a watermelon seed, a watermelon plant will grow out of your stomach?? (Don’t worry, it’s definitely a myth! Without sunlight and soil, a seed can’t turn into a plant.)

What are some other similar myths you’ve heard about?