Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2422924
Western Toad
Anaxyrus boreasAlso known as Boreal Toad, California Toad, Columbian Toad
Western toads navigate diverse landscapes from sea level to high mountain meadows, using large parotoid glands behind their eyes to deter predators with mild toxins. Unlike many other toads, they lack prominent cranial crests and frequently walk or crawl rather than hop, covering significant distances to reach seasonal breeding pools. During winter, they retreat into deep underground burrows dug by rodents or excavate their own in loose soil to hibernate.
AmphibianNocturnalBurrowing
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Ants
- Earthworms
Predators
- Garter snakes
- Crows
- Raccoons
ThreatsChytrid fungus, habitat fragmentation, and road mortality
HabitatsWetlands, meadows, forests, and sagebrush flats
Life span9 to 11 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBufonidae
- SpeciesAnaxyrus boreas
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Skin secretions are toxic to dogs and cats; wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Responsible observation
- Watch the Roads: Drive carefully on rainy nights during spring migration when these toads cross roads to breed.
- Handle with Care: Avoid touching them with dry hands, as their sensitive skin easily absorbs oils and chemicals.
- Keep Pets Away: Ensure dogs do not bite or mouth these toads to prevent poisoning from skin toxins.
Predator Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Parasite Close Relative 
Close Relative Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
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