The green-and-black poison dart frog (Dendrobates auratus) is found throughout Costa Rica and is one of the more popular varieties of dart frog. The small frogs, measuring less than an inch long, are vibrantly colored to warn predators of their toxic nature. Though small in size, the amount of poison the frog possesses is a powerful neurotoxin. Strong enough to make a human heart stop beating in just a matter of minutes. However, like most poison dart frogs, the green-and-black poison dart frog only releases its poison if it feels threatened, and wild specimens can be handled provided the human holding it is calm and relaxed.
Have you seen one of these colorful creatures in Costa Rica?
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