American toad

The American toad (Bufo americanus) is a common amphibian found in eastern U.S. and Canada. It typically has brown to reddish-brown skin with gray or olive patches, and dark spots that contain warts. A light stripe often runs down its back.1

These toads breed in March and April, producing a pleasant, musical trill as their song. There are two subspecies: the Eastern American toad (Bufo americanus americanus) and the dwarf American toad (B. a. charlesmithi).1

Toads, in general, are stout-bodied amphibians with short legs, giving them a hopping or walking gait. They possess thick, dry, and often warty skin that is usually mottled brown. Prominent poison-secreting glands, known as parotid glands, are located behind their eyes. These poisons can irritate predators and, in some cases, cause paralysis or death. Contrary to popular belief, toads do not cause warts.2