Toad-ally creepy

This year at SummerFest children and adults alike will be able to see something a little bit…different. Vinzent Cooper's Creepy Cane Toad Collection began as a way to help eradicate Queensland, Australia, of their Cane Toad problem. The Cane Toad also known as the Giant Neotropical Toad or Marine Toad is a large toad that is native to Central and South America.

In 1935, Cane Toads were introduced to Australia to help combat the native Cane Beetle. Within two months the Cane Toads had rapidly increased in number from 102 to more than 3,000. Due to the poisonous toxins that these toads create, the large numbers, and their lack of natural predators in Queensland, all efforts are now being made for their eradication.

Cooper, in an effort to find a use for these major pests found that the skin of the Cane Toad is strong, durable, and distinctively unique. Using the skin of these toads, Cooper has created Toad-ally Leather designs. Creating everything from wallets and key chains to purses and hats out of the pesky Cane Toads.

The curious and the strong-stomached can check out Cooper’s Creepy Cane Toad Collection at SummerFest this weekend.