Western Toad

Bufo boreas

The Western Toad is typical of many species in the true toad family -- plump and warty and found on land much of the year. Like many toads, the females lay tremendous numbers of eggs -- about 12,000 -- in two long strands in the water. This is the only true toad through much of the Northwest and it is active even when temperatures are as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Look For : A blackish to greenish toad with a light line down the middle of its back. Call is light peeping chirps; this toad has no vocal sac.

Length : 2 1/2-5".

Habitat : Moist areas, from grasslands to woodlands.

Range : Alaska to Alberta and south to California, Utah, and Colorado.