Photo of the Week: American Toad

This American Toad was near the top of the ridge in Schooley's Mountain Park on Saturday morning. After some initial skittishness, it let me approach fairly close and even moved towards me. This allowed for some close, wide-angled views of the toad in its habitat. During the breeding season, toads are found near wet areas. American Toads make a high-pitched trill while advertising for mates (a much different sound than the Fowler's Toad). Outside of the breeding season, toads retreat to drier areas like forests and meadows, where they forage for insects and worms.