Great Plains Toad

Bufo cognatus

This toad is primarily nocturnal (active at night), but is sometimes found foraging on cloudy, rainy days. It prefers loose soil where burrowing is easy. When in danger, it inflates its body, closes it eyes, and lowers its head to the ground. It is a voracious predator of cutworms, which cause extensive crop damage.

Look For : A grayish to greenish toad with dark olive to brown blotches (with light borders) on its upperparts; V-shaped crest behind each eye. Call is a very loud, high-pitched clatter lasting 5 to 50 seconds; oval vocal sac.

Length : 2-4 1/2".

Habitat : Grasslands and brushlands.

Range : Great Plains from southern Alberta and south; southwestern U.S.