5 Toads in North Carolina: Myths, Facts, Species

Toads often get an unfair reputation due to the myth that touching one causes warts. While their bumpy skin might seem suspicious, it’s entirely harmless in this regard. What toads in North Carolina can do, however, is serve as natural pest controllers, helping to keep your garden and farm free of pesky insects.

5 Toads in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to a remarkable 31 species of frogs and toads, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. However, only four of these are true toads.

Interestingly, although there actually are only four true toad species in North Carolina, this list includes a fifth species often mistaken for a toad due to its appearance and behavior.

Delve into the fascinating world of North Carolina’s toads and discover what makes each species unique. By understanding their distinctive features, we can better appreciate the rich biodiversity of the state.

1. American Toad

Scientific Name: Anaxyrus americanus

The American toad is the largest toad species in North Carolina, growing to over 3 inches long and weighing nearly 3 ounces. Their coloring varies, with hues of gray, tan, red, olive, or brown, and their warty, dry skin is patterned with unique spots and mottling.

A key identifying feature is the presence of enlarged warts on each leg near the lower section and just 1 or 2 warts on their back, often with dark spots on them. These characteristics distinguish them from their close relative, the Fowler’s toad.

American toads are found in North Carolina’s Piedmont and mountain regions, with occasional appearances in the Coastal Plain. They prefer breeding in woodland pools but are sometimes spotted near shallow rivers, ponds, and puddles.

Like all toads, the American toad has parotoid glands behind its eyes that produce a poisonous substance to deter predators. While this liquid isn’t harmful to humans, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after handling any amphibian to avoid skin irritation.

2. Fowler’s Toad

Scientific Name: Anaxyrus fowleri

The Fowler’s toad shares many similarities with the American toad, including body colors such as tan, olive, red, gray, or brown. However, Fowler’s toads often exhibit a greenish hue, and their spotted patterns are typically more vibrant.

Unlike the American toad, Fowler’s toads have smaller warts on their legs and more numerous warts on their backs, making them easy to differentiate.

Fowler’s toads are common in the Piedmont region but can also be found in the mountains and coastal plains. These nocturnal amphibians breed in permanent water sources and are tolerant of fish sharing their habitat.

While their secretions are not harmful to humans or pets, they can cause temporary discomfort. If your dog decides to interact with one, it may experience vomiting or drooling due to the foul-tasting toxin.

3. Oak Toad

Scientific Name: Anaxyrus quercicus

The oak toad holds the title of North Carolina’s smallest toad species, growing to just about 1 inch in length. These tiny toads are gray, brown, or black, with bright red warts on their bodies and a distinct orange, white, or yellow stripe running from their snout to their tail.

Due to their small size, oak toads are often mistaken for juvenile toads of other species. They are most commonly found in the coastal plain region of North Carolina, thriving in pine forests, sandhills, savannas, and shrub bogs.

Unlike many other toads, oak toads are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They breed in temporary water sources such as flooded fields, ponds, and ditches.

4. Southern Toad

Scientific Name: Anaxyrus terrestris

Southern toads bear a resemblance to both the American and Fowler’s toads, but their most distinguishing feature is the presence of large knobs on their cranial crests. Their bodies are warty and come in shades of gray, tan, brown, black, or red.

Measuring about 2.5 inches in length, Southern toads inhabit North Carolina’s Coastal Plain region. They breed in both permanent and temporary water sources, including puddles and ditches, but prefer the latter.

5. Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad

Scientific Name: Gastrophryne carolinensis

Despite its name and toad-like appearance, the Eastern narrow-mouthed toad is actually a small, plump frog. Adults average about 1 inch in length, and their body color ranges from reddish brown to gray. They are easily recognized by their triangular-shaped head.

These frogs are found in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of North Carolina, where they inhabit moist environments. During the day, they hide under logs, leaves, and other debris, emerging at night to feed.

Conclusion

These five fascinating species highlight the diversity and ecological importance of toads and toad-like frogs in North Carolina. Whether aiding in pest control or enriching biodiversity, they play a vital role in maintaining balanced ecosystems. By learning to identify and appreciate these species, we can foster a deeper connection to the natural world.