Boreal toad

U.S. Geological Survey photo

(Bufo boreas)

Habitat and Biology:
Boreal toads live at all elevations and use a variety of habitats in North Idaho. They seek out warm water such as ponds, river oxbows and slow moving steams to lay a long string of eggs. Tadpoles develop fastest in warm water. Boreal toads eat a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates, especially beetles, ants and bees. They usually overwinter in burrows which were dug by squirrels or other rodents.

Management:
Western toad populations have crashed in many western states.Many surveys have not found toads where they used to occur. Motorized vehicles can be a major source of toad mortality. This is particularly a problem when toads cross roads moving between the seasonal habitats - breeding ponds, foraging areas and winter hibernacula. Extensive use of heavy equipment can collapse the shallow burrows which toads need for wintering.

Interesting Facts:

Toads can navigate by the stars and their sense of smell to move 2.5 miles (4 km) from a pond or other water body.
Toad tadpoles are vegetarian but adults are carnivorous.

Boreal toad

Alerts & Warnings