I’m A Celebrity Campers Face Deadly Challenge as Poisonous Toads Invade Jungle Camp

I’m A Celebrity Campers Face a New Deadly Jungle Challenge: Cane Toads Invasion!

The Australian jungle camp of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! just got even more dangerous! This season, celebrities won’t just be facing the usual spiders and snakes—they’ll also contend with a new jungle invader: poisonous cane toads. With the jungle’s humid conditions creating the perfect breeding grounds, these toxic creatures are now swarming the camp area, posing serious risks for contestants.

What Are Cane Toads, and Why Are They a Threat?

Cane toads are invasive amphibians originally introduced to Australia in the 1930s to help control pests. Unfortunately, they’ve become an ecological nightmare. Known for their ability to secrete milky toxins from glands on their back, these toads can harm animals—and humans—who come in direct contact.

Key dangers of cane toads:

• Skin Contact: Their toxins seep through human skin, potentially affecting the heart and breathing if not handled carefully.
• Eye Exposure: When disturbed, cane toads may squirt toxins that cause severe pain and temporary vision problems.
• Threat to Wildlife: Their venom can kill dogs, snakes, and even crocodiles, making them one of the top invasive species in Australia.

Why the Surge in Cane Toads This Season?

I’m A Celebrity camp’s current crisis comes down to a population explosion of cane toads in the Gold Coast region, fueled by recent wet and humid weather. Such conditions are ideal for breeding, with one female capable of laying up to 35,000 eggs at once! This has led to a significant spike in the number of toads around Dungay Creek—right near the jungle camp.

A Ticking Time Bomb for Celebrities

For celebrities like Coleen Rooney, Alan Halsall, and Ally McCoist, who are rumoured to be in the upcoming season, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Cane toads are most active near ponds and streams, meaning even the famous jungle shower and camp creek could be dangerous. As one insider explained, “It’s not just the trials this year. Campers will need to keep an eye out for these poisonous pests.”

Why Cane Toads Are More Dangerous than Other Jungle Critters

Compared to the jungle’s snakes and spiders, cane toads present a unique threat because:

1. They release toxins from their skin rather than relying on a bite or sting.
2. They’re small and can go unnoticed until disturbed.
3. Their toxins can have long-lasting effects on both health and vision.

The Cane Toad Crisis: What’s Being Done?

Teams of environmental specialists have been working to control the cane toad population around Murwillumbah and Dungay Creek, but it’s a challenging task. In January, authorities plan a “Great Cane Toad Bust”, encouraging Australian households to help reduce numbers by carefully capturing and disposing of these pests.

Cane toad control methods include:

• Manual Removal: Use gloves and buckets to handle them. Bare hands should never be used as their toxins can seep through the skin.
• Environmental Monitoring: Keeping water sources secure since ponds and creeks attract toads.

Local experts like Kelsi Taylor, an invasive species manager, warn about the serious threats these toads pose to native species as well. “They eat insects, native frog eggs, and even small mammals, disrupting our ecosystem,” Taylor noted.

How Will the Stars Be Protected?

Contestants on I’m A Celebrity receive extensive briefings on local wildlife, covering everything from spiders and ticks to now, cane toads. Production teams will closely monitor areas around water sources, ensuring that the camp and shower zones stay as cane toad-free as possible. However, a 100% safe environment can’t be guaranteed given the numbers.

What Can You Do If You Encounter a Cane Toad?

As the Australian government gears up for the Great Cane Toad Bust, here’s what you need to know if you ever come across one:

1. Wear Gloves: Never touch a cane toad with bare hands.
2. Use a Bucket: Carefully place it in a container.
3. Avoid Eyes and Skin Contact: Always wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve touched anything that came into contact with a toad.

For fans of I’m A Celebrity, it means the next season will offer even more nail-biting moments. While the Bushtucker Trials will undoubtedly test the contestants’ bravery, the real challenge may be avoiding these toxic amphibians.

Final Thoughts: Will the Cane Toad Challenge Impact the Show?

With its deadly cane toad infestation, I’m A Celebrity might have more surprises in store than ever before. It’s yet to be seen how these poisonous intruders will affect the contestants and filming process. But one thing is for sure: the jungle has once again proved itself an unpredictable, wild setting, perfect for this hit reality show.

By staying informed and following precautionary measures, celebrities and the production team are working hard to ensure an unforgettable (and hopefully safe) jungle adventure. But with venomous toads hiding around every corner, it’s safe to say that survival in the jungle just got a lot more interesting.