Species Reptiles & AmphibiansAmerican Toad

American Toad

Anaxyrus americanus

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)

The American Toad is among the most familiar amphibians in the eastern U.S. Its long, musical trill is a signature sound of spring. Parotoid glands behind its eyes secrete a mild toxin that deters most predators.

Habitat
Gardens, forests, fields, and suburban areas near breeding ponds
Diet
Insects, earthworms, slugs, and other invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a American Toad

The best time to see a American Toad is April–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 148,007 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent American Toad sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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