Venomous Creatures of the West Pacific The terms venom and poison are often used interchangeably. Although both venomous and poisonous animals have potentially dangerous toxins in their bodies, the way that toxin is delivered differs. Venomous animals have an active delivery system and may use their toxin for protection or to help them catch food. Unlike poisonous animals, venomous animals store their toxin in venom glands. They inject their toxin into their predator or prey using fangs, pinchers, spines, or any other sharp body part that is hollow, grooved or breaks the skin to introduce venom. Poisonous animals have a passive d