amphibian · GBIF taxon 2422941
Canadian Toad
Anaxyrus hemiophrysAlso known as Dakota Toad
Canadian toads are hardy amphibians uniquely adapted to the harsh, cold climates of the northern Great Plains. They spend the brief summer foraging in prairies and wetlands, then survive freezing winters by burrowing deep into loose soil below the frost line, often hibernating communally in large numbers. Their distinctive, swollen cranial crests fuse to form a prominent bony hump between their eyes, giving them a perpetually furrowed expression.
AmphibianBurrowingCold-Tolerant
Licensed reference(c) Liren Varghese, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Insects, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates
- family
- Bufonidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, wetland drainage, and agricultural chemical runoff
- life Span
- 8 to 12 years
LC
Skin secretions are toxic to pets if ingested; wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Listen for Calls: Look for breeding males in spring by listening for their short, high-pitched metallic trills.
- Handle Gently: Wet your hands before touching to protect their sensitive, semi-permeable skin from oils.
- Watch the Ground: Scan prairie paths during warm summer evenings when these nocturnal hunters are most active.