amphibian
American toad
Anaxyrus americanus
CautionNot foodabundant
Warty garden ally. One or two big warts in each dark spot. Eats slugs.
Brown to rust toad with cranial crests. Parotoid glands behind the eyes secrete bufotoxin — wash hands after handling, keep away from dogs’ mouths.
- Habitat
- Gardens, woods, under boards.
- Season
- Trills March–May from ditches.
- Size
- 2–4 in
- Field marks
- Warts; kidney-shaped parotoids
First aid
If a dog mouths a toad: rinse the dog’s mouth, call a vet if drooling or staggering.