Fauna
Amphibian

Western Toad

Anaxyrus boreas

Also known as Boreal Toad, California Toad

Western toads navigate diverse landscapes from coastal lowlands to high alpine meadows across western North America, spending hot days sheltered in animal burrows or under moist logs. Adults are recognized by a prominent pale stripe running along the center of their warty, olive-green back. While adults forage for terrestrial invertebrates under cover of darkness, high-altitude populations face severe regional declines from the spread of chytrid fungus.

AmphibianNocturnalNative
Western Toad reference1 / 7
(c) J Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by J Brew · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetles, Ants, Slugs
Predators
  • Garter snakes
  • Ravens
  • Coyotes
ThreatsChytrid fungus, habitat loss, drought, and road mortality
HabitatsWetlands, forests, grasslands, montane meadows, and streamsides
Life span9–11 years
Classification
  1. OrderAnura
  2. FamilyBufonidae
  3. GenusAnaxyrus
  4. SpeciesAnaxyrus boreas
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Secretes bufotoxins from shoulder glands; keep pets away and wash hands after handling.
Why it is dangerous
Secretes bufotoxins from parotoid glands that irritate mucous membranes and cause severe nausea or cardiac irritation in domestic pets if mouthed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a distinct light stripe down the spine and large oval parotoid glands right behind the eyes.
What to do
Observe from a respectful distance and keep dogs leashed when walking near damp marshlands or forest paths.
What to notice
Identified by bumpy skin, dark body mottling, and a light cream dorsal stripe.
Support conservation
Clean boots and field gear before entering pristine wetlands to avoid transferring waterborne fungal pathogens.
Responsible observation
  • Night Spotting: Look around damp soil or woodland paths after rain showers using a soft flashlight.
  • Handling Care: Avoid picking them up directly because skin secretions irritate eyes and skin can absorb hand lotions.
  • Pet Safety: Keep dogs leashed near wetland breeding sites to prevent accidental ingestion of toxins.
Related species
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