Fowler's Toad
(Bufo fowleri)
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Greene
The Fowler's Toad is very similar to the Eastern American Toad (Bufo a.americanus) and is often confused with it. It ranges from 2.5 - 4 inches in length. The Fowler's Toad has the same brown color with dark spots as the American Toad though it generally has a light colored stripe down the middle of the back. It has three warts in each spot instead of the two that the American Toad has. The Fowler's Toad also does not have any spots on its belly like the American Toad has. To add to the confusion the Fowler's Toad will often interbreed with the American Toad which will produce hybrids which exhibit characteristics of both species. Their paratoid glands touch the cranial crest, unlike the American Toad. The call of the Fowler's Toad is a 1 - 3 second "wraah."
The paratoid glands emit a white fluid which is toxic. This fluid helps them escape predators. This fluid inflames the mouth and can cause nausea, irregular heart beats, and in extreme cases death. They can pose a danger to pets who catch these animals and people who handle these toads should immediately wash their hands.
Breeding occurs from March to August and eggs are strung together and laid in water attached to vegetation. They can be found around marshes, temporary rain pools, irrigation ditches and even backyards. While these toads are most common in southeastern New York, there have been reports of these toads found in southwestern New York.