During August 2001, the survey of Mortenson Lake a total of 196 Wyoming toads were found; few of these animals were adults. Though the number may seem large to some, it is lower than what the cooperating agencies would like to see. This year alone, more than 8,000 animals were released to Mortenson Lake from captive breeding facilities. The low numbers at the survey indicate that survival is low. During the fall 1999 survey, a total of 492 toads were found. The Wyoming toad population at Mortenson Lake started showing signs of decline in 2000. The pathogenic amphibian chytrid fungus was confirmed at the site by Dr. Allan Pessier, a renown chytrid expert. This fungus has been implicated in amphibian declines and die-offs worldwide.
The annual fall survey for the Wyoming toad was held August 31, 2001. Representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the U.S. Geological Survey took part in the survey. In addition, many interested citizens aided the agencies. Approximately 25 people participated in the efforts to survey for North America
