They are only cute when they are young

Cuban tree frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are commonly available as pets.  Yet, the ones that I encountered in the garden during the day were quite unattractive.  For a while, it was a mystery to me why anyone would want one of these frogs as a pet.  Then, I started to find juvenile Cuban tree frogs. 

A juvenile Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in a bromeliad at night.

The juvenile frogs appeared mostly in and around bromeliads, but only at night (except for the first one I saw).  Juvenile Cuban tree frogs are more difficult to identify unequivocally than are the adults, but by process of elimination, these frogs did not seem to belong to any of the native Florida species.

Another juvenile Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in a bromeliad at night.

With their smooth skin and large eyes, the appeal of these young frogs as potential pets is more understandable.  However, they do not keep their good looks forever and can continue to live in captivity for up to ten years.  Moreover, the mucus on their skin can cause irritation and allergic reactions if these frogs are handled.

Yet another young Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in a bromeliad at night.

Thus, despite their innocent youthful appearance, Cuban tree frogs do not make very good pets.  Furthermore, if no longer wanted pets are released, they may invade new habitats and disrupt native communities -- just as our backyard frog community was disrupted.  In the end, I was not able to find any frogs in the garden other than Cuban tree frogs.