PHILADELPHIA TOADS

At one time Fowler's Toads, Anaxyrus woodhousei fowleri, were found in Philadelphia, but they have not been seen here for years. Their loss is due to destruction of their habitat, especially the loss of wetlands near the Delaware River. They are still common in southern New Jersey.

American Toads in amplexus

How do you tell an American Toad from a Fowler's Toad? American Toads generally have only one or two large warts per spot, Fowler's Toads usually have three or more. Color alone is not a good way to identify these species. Colors vary widely from toad to toad.

American Toad left, Fowler's Toad right

Philadelphia Toads

American Toads, Anaxyrus americanus, can still be found in Philadelphia.

Male American Toad calls

American Toads breed in the shallow waters on the banks of the Wissahickon Creek, in Roxborough Reservoir, the Pastorius Park pond, the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education ponds, and other places in Philadelphia.

Wissahickon Creek, Fairmount Park, in spring