There are some distinctive differences between toads and frogs that may not be readily apparent. Frogs live near or in water whereas toads only breed in water and basically live on land. Toads have a rougher, drier skin with shorter legs for walking and warts on their bodies. Frogs have longer legs for hopping.

Plains spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus bombifrons) is one species of toad found at the Refuge. The spadefoot toad has a single, black,wedge-shaped "spade" on each hind foot; vertical pupils.

This toad displays the unique characteristic of twisting its hind feet in the sand as if it were snuffing out a lit match.

A second species is the Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus).

Another species is the Woodhouse's toad (Bufo woodhousii).

Photo Credits: Aaron Rinker, USFWS

Last Updated: 3/24/09