American Toad Uses Toxins and Trills to Thrive in the Wild

By Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

July 3, 2025

American toad 4 — American toads, like this one, are often heard trilling in spring. Their skin secretes a mild toxin, so hand-washing is recommended after handling. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

With a long, melodic trill that can last up to 30 seconds, the call of the male American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), not pretty enough to kiss, is one of the most recognizable sounds of spring in the eastern United States.

Often heard more than seen, American toads lay their eggs in long, pearl-like strands in shallow pools of water. Their colors vary from brown to reddish to olive green, and although handling them won’t give you warts, they do secrete skin toxins to deter predators. These common amphibians may not look like fairy-tale royalty, but they play a vital role in the ecosystem — and they’re full of surprises.

American toads mate in calm waters, where females deposit strands of eggs resembling strings of pearls. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

A mating pair was recently observed near the Delaware Water Gap during a macroinvertebrate lesson, where the calm waters provided an ideal spot for egg-laying. These egg strands can extend several feet in length.

An American toad rests near the forest floor, blending into its surroundings with mottled brown and green coloring. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

American toads can be mistaken for Fowler’s toads (Anaxyrus fowleri), but a big distinction between the two is the number of warts within each dark spot: American toads usually have one to two, while Fowler’s toads have three or more.

While it’s a common myth that handling toads causes warts, the real concern is the toxin they secrete through their skin — a defense against predators. Though typically harmless to humans, the toxin can irritate skin and be dangerous if ingested, even causing paralysis or death in rare cases. It’s always best to wash hands thoroughly after any contact.

Fun Facts about the American Toad:

Male American toads produce a trill-like call that can last up to 30 seconds.
American toads lay eggs in long pearl-like strands in shallow pools of water.
They differ from Fowler’s toad by the number of warts within their dark spots.
American toads secrete a toxin from their skin to deter predators.

Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.