Fowler’s Toad: Lifespan, Size, Appearance, and More!

Fowler's toad
© iStock.com/Clayton Rowe

Written by Amanda Martinotti

Published: October 6, 2023

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Fowler’s toads are amphibians commonly found in the eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. Read this article to learn more about their lifespan, appearance, and more!

Fowler's toad

Fowler’s Toads are commonly found in the eastern part of the United States.

©iStock.com/Clayton Rowe

Appearance

These tiny toads are a small species of amphibians that come in shades of brown, gray, or olive. They have a single, white stripe that goes down their back with dark wart-like spots that run along their backs and sides. In addition, their underbelly is a pale white color. Plus, male toads are known to be darker shades in color compared to female Fowler’s toads.

Size

They are a smaller species of amphibian. Typically, adult toads grow to be 2 to 5 inches in length.

Lifespan

These small amphibians live for five years. 

Reproduction

Fowler’s toads reproduce beginning in the spring or early summertime. Additionally, male toads will cry out for a mate from the shallow waters where they often reside. 

Following torrential rains, female toads will give birth. During one breeding period, a female toad can produce 20,000 eggs. 

In two months, the baby toads, also known as tadpoles, go through growth. 

Due to these toads being nocturnal, breeding happens during the summer and spring nights.

fowler's toad

Following torrential rains, female toads will give birth. During one breeding period, a female toad can produce 20,000 eggs. 

©Steve Byland/ via Getty Images

Are Fowler’s Toads Poisonous to Touch?

It is not poisonous to touch a Fowler’s toad. However, rubbing your eyes after handling a Fowler’s toad can cause mild irritation.

Can Fowler’s Toads Be Kept as Pets?

Most toads such as can be kept as a pet. However, like any animal, it is best to check with federal and state laws to ensure that obtaining ownership is okay.

What Do Fowlers’ Toads Sound Like?

Their mating call sounds like a sheep screaming and continues for 1-4 seconds.

Where Can I Find Fowler’s Toads?

These tiny amphibians can be found in woods, forests, and river banks. Additionally, you can find a Fowler’s toad in Florida or states that are known to be muddy and rainy during the summer and springtime. In addition, they also can be found in marshals. Also, they will bury themselves under mud and water to breed and live. 

What Do Fowler’s Toads Eat?

At the tadpole stage, these small toads will eat insects and tiny creatures. Additionally, they will also consume snails and worms. Tadpoles will also eat algae and bacteria from rocks and aquatic plants.

Due to being nocturnal creatures, these toads will eat during the evenings. Additionally, this is when they will hunt for food as well. 

fowler's toad

Due to being nocturnal creatures, these toads will eat during the evenings.

©Janno Blok/ via Getty Images

What Are the Threats to Fowler’s Toad?

Fowler’s toads are prey animals to smaller predators of the food chain. Additionally, this includes small mammals and snakes. 

Aside from threats of becoming food to predatory animals, there is also a threat to their environment. For example, the destruction of dunes serves as a place to burrow, hunt, breed, and sleep. However, due to recreational use, these dunes are dwindling, which puts these toads at risk of losing their environment.

These fascinating amphibians are small, but it is obvious that they are mighty!


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