American Toad (B. a. americanus)

These toads, barely larger than tadpoles, emerged in record numbers this year. The naturalists at the Pinery remarked that it is rare to see so many. Hundreds were hopping along the trail at the Strathroy Reservoir when I snapped this picture. I also witnessed large numbers in Clay Creek in St. Clair township, and at Clark Wright Conservation Area. Must have something to do with the wet spring. American Toads require a semi-permanent freshwater pond or pool with shallow water in which to bread and for their early development.