People used to joke about kissing toads, and in truth, they do taste bad.
Their skin is very bumpy, but these are not warts. They are special skin glands that produce a toxic substance that makes toads taste very bitter. This discourages many predators and protects toads.
We have several common toads in the state including American Toad and Fowler’s Toad. If your habitat is right, you may find both at your doorstep, in your garden or around your lawn.
Toads usually hide during the day in loose soil or in piles of dead leaves. Once the sun goes down, toads leave their hiding places and begin doing what they do best—hunt for insects.
Gardeners appreciate having toads around because these amphibians eat many pests. Have you seen a toad in your yard?
Toads vs. Frogs
What are the differences between a toad and a frog?
Toads…
- Have dry, warty skin
- Don’t have any teeth
- Have shorter hind legs than most frogs
- Hop or crawl
- Lay eggs in long, parallel strings
Whereas, frogs…
- Have smooth, wet skin
- Have tiny teeth on both upper and lower jaws
- Jump or leap
- Lay eggs singly, in small clumps, in large masses, or as a film of eggs on the water surface
Find out more about toads in the MDC’s Field Guide.
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