amphibian · GBIF taxon 2422872
American Toad
Anaxyrus americanusAlso known as Eastern American Toad, Dwarf American Toad, Hudson Bay Toad
American toads are stout, terrestrial amphibians recognizable by their dry, warty skin and a musical, high-pitched trill that can last up to thirty seconds during spring breeding. They spend their days hiding under leaf litter, logs, or loose soil, emerging at night to hunt a wide variety of invertebrates. During winter, they burrow deep below the frost line using their spade-like hind feet to hibernate.
NocturnalAmphibianTerrestrial
- diet
- Insects, spiders, earthworms, slugs, and other small invertebrates
- family
- Bufonidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, road mortality during breeding migrations, pesticides, and chytrid fungus
- life Span
- 5 to 10 years
LC
Secretes mild toxins from shoulder glands; wash hands after handling and keep away from pets.
- Listen for trills: Locate breeding sites in spring by listening for their long, musical, high-pitched trills.
- Handle with care: Hold gently with moist hands to avoid drying their skin, and wash hands afterward.
- Create shelter: Place a ceramic toad house or overturned flowerpot in shady garden areas to attract them.