American Toad
(Bufo americanus)
Where do American toads live?
American toads are found everywhere in the state of Minnesota—from backyards to forests to prairies. Their only major habitat requirements are semi-permanent water during the breeding season and vegetation for cover.
Where do American toads fall in the food chain?
American toad tadpoles are herbivores and eat aquatic vegetation. A tadpole's main predators are fish and large aquatic insects like the predaceous diving beetle. Adult toads are carnivores and will eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths, from insects to snails to earthworms. Adult American toads need to watch out for snakes, hawks, raccoons, and herons. Both the tadpole and adult forms of the American toad have toxic chemicals in their skin that discourage predators from eating them, though some predators like the garter snake, are immune.
When are American toads most active?
American toads are most active at night in hot, humid weather. They are also active for short periods during the day in spring and fall. When it rains, American toads escape their wet burrows beneath the ground and are easier to spot on the surface.
What do American toad eggs look like?
In the spring, female American toads release 4,000 to 20,000 eggs in long spiral gelatinous strings into the water. When a string of eggs is stretched out it can be 20 to 60 feet long!
Can you get warts from touching a toad?
No, you cannot! The warts on the American toad are not contagious, but they do serve an important purpose. The warts contain glands that produce a poisonous fluid that is released when the toad feels threatened. This is excellent protection from predators. The poison excreted by the American toad is only harmful if it is swallowed or gets into the eyes. If you handle a toad make sure you wash your hands when you are done.
The information above is common scientific knowledge. For a list of specific resources, visit the Animal FAQ Resources page.
