Toad?  What's so special about a toad?  When someone mentions toads, we usually think of warty, slimy critters.  We think of sounds like "ribbit" or "croak" or "broaaack."  If you hear a rather pleasant, single-toned, melodic trill (which some people mistake for crickets), you'll be hearing the mating call of the American toad.  It is the sweetest sound of all the amphibians.  Hmmmm… Maybe we can get one to join the choir.  The American toad can "hold a perfect note" up to 30 seconds on a single breath, which would stir the envy of singers with the best vocal control.  Try that, Debbie, Vivian or Lisa.  I won't. 

American toads have an immense ability to adapt to their surroundings as long as there is a source of semi-permanent fresh water for them to use in the breeding season. They also need dense patches of vegetation, for cover and hunting grounds. Given these two requirements and a supply of insects for food, American toads can live almost anywhere - forests, backyards, even at SMV. 

Gardeners know they are common in our backyards.  American toads eat many species of pest insects and other invertebrates, so they are widely considered friends to gardeners and farmers.   Their warty skin contains many glands that produce a poisonous milky fluid, providing them with excellent protection from many of their predators. Contrary to folklore, you will not get warts if you touch a toad.  The milky toxin is only harmful to humans if swallowed or if it gets in the eyes, so Joy, after you're done playing with your backyard toad, be sure to wash your hands.   

After all this talk of warts and toxins, why should we humans care about preserving the American toad's place in nature?  First and foremost is the need to preserve the diversity of life, which is critical to our survival.  A second reason benefits us more specifically.  Many scientific breakthroughs occur by observing how nature has equipped various species for survival and adaptation.  Researchers are looking at the muscle action of a toad's tongue when it snares insects.  This deceptively simple, remarkably fast feeding action offers a new look at how muscles work.  Its study could lead to medical research in developing new treatments for neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease.   Nature never ceases to amaze.