How to Find Toads

The American Toad is a common amphibian, which is a cold-blooded animal that can live on land or in water. Looking like a large frog, toads also have distinctive warts. They grow up to 4 1/2 inches long and may be brown, brick-red, or olive-colored with stripes. The American Toad is found where there is moisture, such as meadows and gardens. They eat insects and other creatures, such as snails and slugs. If you need to find a toad to observe for a science project, begin your search on a warm night when they are most active.

Things You'll Need

  • Flashlight
  • Shovel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Search toad hideout areas, such as under rocks and logs near fresh water, with a flashlight at night. Though toads breathe air, they need water to keep their skin moist and for laying eggs. Start your search in spring during mating season, which is a good time to find a toad.

    • 2

      Follow toad mating calls in the evening and night, which sound similar to crickets. The males sit in water and stretch out a pouch on their throats called a dewlap to create a long, trilled calls to attract females. Listen for these calls and slowly walk toward the toads making these calls.

    • 3

      Examine puddles and fresh water where toad eggs have been laid. Toads lay black eggs in chains; the tadpoles, or the young swimming toads with tails, are also black. Adult toads will be close to areas that are good for laying eggs.

    • 4

      Search areas where there is plenty of toad food, such as spiders, mosquitoes, and snails. These animals that toads like to eat are active in the morning and evening near wet areas. You will likely find toads if you find a food source.

    • 5

      Dig in mud about 3 feet deep around fresh water in the winter, where toads may be hibernating. Toads hibernate once it gets cold and some species hibernate by becoming partially frozen in pond or lake water.