American Toad - Tilly

American Toads are large toads with a multitude of color morphs from brown to brick-red to olive with various patterns in lighter colors. Their spots are brownish or black with warts brown to orange-red. Like most other toad species, they have poison glands near the back of their eye on their neck, which look like large warts. If threatened, they will secret a stick, foul-tasting poison which would usually cause the predator to flee. American Toads are widespread, ranging through most of the eastern US except along the gulf coast and east coast, up through most of eastern Canada. They are common in a variety of habitats from mowed grassy yards to heavily forested mountains; wherever there are abundant insects and moisture.

The American Toad’s song is described as “a pleasant musical trill lasting up to 30 seconds.” They can be heard singing in the evening from April until July. Most toad species lay their eggs in the same fashion, in a long double-wide string which rests in shallow water. Females can lay clutches between 4,000 and 8,000 eggs! American toads have also been described as “prodigious” insect eaters. In the wild, their average lifespan is 5-10 years, but in captivity they can live up to 30 years.

Tilly is Sarett Nature Center’s resident American Toad who was salvaged from our butterfly house in spring of 2023 for use in our educational programs. Our beloved Townes passed away over the winter and we were in need of another toad ambassador for programs – they are great for our slime and scales programs. We like to use them as a comparison to a frog to show students how the two animals are similar, but also quite different. Tilly has become a new favorite of many of our staff and visitors. Sarett Nature Center has a Scientific Collector’s Permit issued by the DNR to allow for collection and possession of these animals for educational purposes.