American Toad

Natural Habitat

Forests, prairies, and suburban backyards with access to moist areas or shallow water for breeding.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; primarily eats insects, earthworms, slugs, and other small invertebrates using its sticky tongue.

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal; they are solitary except during spring breeding season. They exhibit a 'sit and wait' hunting style and burrow into the dirt or leaf litter during the day.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest insect populations. They possess parotoid glands that secrete toxins (bufotoxin) which can be harmful if ingested by pets; they are harmless to humans if handled, though hands should be washed afterward.

Identified on: 3/7/2026