Anaxyrus americanus. The most common toad in Minnesota. Their early spring habitat is in wetlands. Later they show up in urban backyards and just about everywhere. They hatch in huge batches: A female lays as many as 20,000 eggs that become schools of tadpoles, then toads within six weeks. Maturity occurs in two to three years, as with this 3-//2 inch fellow. No, the warts aren’t contagious. But they taste awful.
Sure sounds of spring. This mature toad has emerged from its winter burrow below the frost line and sprung to a residential downspout up East Burns Valley. Mating season is upon us. Meanwhile: Frogs are chorusing in nearby ponds. Image: Andy Frank