Western Toad
Anaxyrus boreas
Toads are seldom seen because they are not usually about during the daytime. They can often be seen on roadsides at night or by going to their breeding sites in spring. The “warts” on a toad are glands that secrete a milky poisonous substance that helps protect them from predators.
Description: Color varies; usually brown, gray, or deep green; white or cream stripe down the middle of the back; warty skin; 2 ½ – 5 in (5-13 cm)
Habitat: Drier grasslands and woodlands, meadows; needs to be near water. Adult toads shelter in rodent burrows near water or may bury themselves in damp soil.
Range: Mountain regions up to 10,000 ft. Pacific coast from Southern AK to Baja CA; east to MT, WY, UT, CO, NV
Food: Small insects and arthropods lapped up on sticky tongue and swallowed whole.
Season: “Chirping” of males attracts females (sounds like a peeping chick). Breeds mainly from March to May; June to July at higher elevations.
Reproduction:
Comments: Active at twilight. Voice like a weak, peeping of baby chicks, no vocal sacs
Photo: Chris Brown, USGS