Species guide
American toad
Skin irritantAnaxyrus americanus
How to recognise it
A plump toad with dry, warty brown-to-olive skin and large kidney-shaped glands (parotoids) behind the eyes. Hops in short bursts rather than leaping.
Is it dangerous?
Harmless to briefly handle for most people, but its skin secretion can irritate eyes and mouth, and is toxic if a dog or cat mouths or bites it. Wash your hands after any contact.
What to do
Don't let pets mouth toads, and wash hands after handling. Seek vet care if a pet starts drooling or pawing at its mouth.
Recorded 165,077 times in the wild worldwide.
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