Description: 2 - 3½ inches. American Toads vary in color from brown to gray, and may have a slight olive or reddish tint. The belly is a pale color with fine black spots or speckles. The back has dark spots that usually contains one or two warts each. There are two large glands on the back of the head (parotoid glands), that are either completely separated from the small ridge behind each eye (cranial crests), or connect to it by a small spur.

Similar Species: American Toads may be mistaken for Canadian Toads in eastern North Dakota. American Toads and Canadian Toads readily hybridize making identifications challenging in areas of overlap (most of eastern North Dakota).

Status: None.

Comments: The American Toad is very rare in North Dakota.