Colorado River Toad

Bufo alvarius

This huge toad survives in one of the places where you would least expect to find amphibians -- the desert. It does this by spending most days deep underground and venturing into the desert at night to feed. In some areas, this species may not breed for several years in a row, but after heavy rains the tadpoles can be found in small creeks and temporary pools.

Look For : The largest native toad in the U.S., its body is olive, grayish, or brown with mostly smooth skin and 1 or 2 white warts near the corners of its mouth. Call is a honk or toot lasting 1/2 to 1 second.

Length : 3-7".

Habitat : Deserts, usually close to wet areas.

Range : Southern and western Arizona and nearby California and New Mexico.