This fine specimen has been surveying the insect population around the driveway in front of the garage for some time now.
I’m pretty sure it’s a female, and I’m pretty sure it’s an American toad. There is often a smaller toad not far away, which might be a young toad or a male, since, according to this site, the female is larger. That site says its habitat “varies widely from mountain wilderness to urban areas”, so it pretty much covers our area.
The toads have no problems with the cats, who also tend to hang out in the area immediately in front of the garage. They pretty much ignore each other. The dogs sometimes sniff at the toad (the cats, too, for that matter), but the toad couldn’t care less. There are lights that stay on continuously on the garage, so the hunting is probably pretty good for the toads.
There is some dense foliage next to to the paved area which may provide shelter during the day. The Web site says they need water to breed, but I have no idea where they could find that around the house.
I’ve only witnessed a few of our cats mess with a toad, and after the foaming at the mouth thing, never again. Frogs, on the other hand, don’t have that defense.
IIRC, toads go through the tadpole stage very quickly, compared to many frog species. They don’t so much need permanent bodies of water.
A fine looking toad you have there.
Wayne — I don’t know whether the cats have ever messed with the toads, but they certainly don’t now. They pretend they don’t even see them. The dogs will sniff from a few inches, and then leave them alone. I can’t figure out where these toads could find any standing water except in some containers we catch rainwater in, and if they got in them, I don’t think they could get out again. But they obviously find enough somewhere.
Robin — This one seems the epitome of toadiness.
I agree with Robin Andrea: that is one fine toad, and one fine toad image, too! One of the volunteers at my nature center told me yesterday that she has two toads hanging around the edge of her garden; she thought it unusual that they’d be there so reliably. I told her that they’re probably finding plenty to eat, so why move on?
Scott — Thanks. Toads always look so stern and serious, but you have to get up close to really appreciate it.