onday, February 24, 2003 - 12:38 a.m. Pacific The deceptively cute newt: 'You don't want to kiss them.

By Lynda V. Mapes

Seattle Times staff reporter

It's hard to imagine this sweet-looking creature with the face of E.T. is 10,000 times more toxic than a slug of cyanide, but so it is.

The orange-bellied, rough-skinned newt is one of the most poisonous creatures going. The merest bite creates a severe burning sensation in the mouth.

Every known mammal spits them out instantly — except men in bars who have been drinking heavily. A 29-year-old from Oregon went into a bar July 9, 1979, and, on a bet, swallowed a rough-skinned newt. He was dead before the day was out.

No known antidote exists for a newt's poison, packed by both juveniles and adults in glands in their skin, and even their eggs.

Submitted on 02/24/2003

Submitted by: Bert Chadick
Reference: Seattle Times 02/24/03

Copyright © 2002 DarwinAwards.com

Teela said:
Neutral: Darwin Award

Bill said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I knew they were poisonous - I thought it was general knowledge, but after reading your comments I'm not so sure.

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
While I wasn't onboard for the story of the man who ate the ovaries of a poisonous toad and don't recall the results, I give this a possible DA for stupidity.

Gregory said:
Maybe Toss: Other
this one is a bit old. I was not aware that there were poisonous newts. was the victim?

Bert said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
How many people know they're poisonous???

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4