Western Toad
USGS/Chris Brown
Scientific Name
Anaxyrus boreas (Bufo boreas)
Introduction
The Western toad is a native amphibian species occurring throughout the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Appearance
Western toads are a large and robust toad with dry, warty skin. Adults can vary in length from 25 inches (snout to vent) and vary in color from green, tan, reddish brown, dusky gray and yellow. Toads can be distinguished by a white stripe running down the middle of their back. Males generally have smoother skin than females.
Range
Western toads range throughout most of California from the forests to the north to the deserts to the south.
Habitat
The Western toad occupies a wide variety of habitats throughout California, including marshes, springs, creeks, small lakes, meadows, woodlands, forests, and desert riparian areas. In the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills, they are generally found in grassland habitats near riparian streams. Western toads are often
