Western Toad

Western Toads are 2-5 in long, green or brown, with a light-colored stripe down their back and a light-colored belly. The warty bumps on their skin are reddish-brown and sometimes surrounded by black rings. Western Toads are found around ponds, lakes, streams, and marshes in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, along the Pacific coast, and inland to western Montana and northern New Mexico. Unlike many other toads, Western Toads can be found in the mountains above the snow line.

Western Toads migrate considerable distances - over 4 miles - between their breeding ponds, upland summer ranges, and winter hibernation spots. All the members of a local population tend to lay their eggs in the same spot every year. The males make a quiet peeping sound to attract females.

Did you know? Western Toads walk rather than hop. When threatened, they inflate themselves with air and rise up on their legs.

See Also: Boreal Chorus Frog, Canadian Toad, Columbia Spotted Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Pacific Tree Frog, Plains Spadefoot Toad, Wood Frog

Hard - can be difficult to spot. They may be few in number or not readily visible (for example, underground).

Mountains are very high areas of land with steep sides leading to a peak. They are often connected to other mountains as part of a mountain range.

Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by water all or most of the time and support a variety of aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.