Reptiles and Amphibians of the Table Rocks
Western Toad
© 1999 California Academy of Sciences
Unlike frogs, I have warty skin and walk or crawl more than hop. My call sounds like the weak peeping of a baby chick. You may recognize me by the light-colored stripe down the middle of my back. I eat slow creeping insects that I can catch.
Caution: Careful, I have enlarged glands (called the paratoid glands) on the side of my neck, one behind each eye. These glands secrete a sticky white poison that gets smeared in the mouth of any would-be predator, inflaming the mouth and throat and causing nausea, irregular heart beat, and, in extreme cases, death. You should not touch me. If you do, wash your hands after handling me, and avoid touching your mouth or eyes.
I may be found on Table Rocks near springs, streams, meadows, or woodlands. I like to live in burrows of my own construction or those of small rodents. I am mainly active at twilight or at night in warm areas.
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