How to distinguish between toads and frogs

Toads and frogs might look alike at first glance, but they are actually quite different. Their physical features, such as skin, color, and shape, vary significantly. Their behaviors also set them apart. Frogs tend to live near water, while toads don’t require it. Frogs are generally capable of jumping higher than toads. By paying attention to the details, you can easily tell them apart.

Look at the hind legs. You can distinguish toads from frogs by the length of their legs. If you can get closer, take a close look, especially at their hind legs.

• The hind legs of a frog are very long because they jump more than toads. Their hind legs are larger than their head and body combined.
• The hind legs of a toad are shorter because they tend to crawl. Their hind legs are shorter than their head and body.

Check the feet. Frog feet are webbed because they spend the majority of their time in water. The hind legs of frogs typically have webbing, and some species even have webbing on their front legs. You can also notice sticky pads on their feet. Toads, however, generally do not have webbing or pads on their feet.

Consider the body shape. Frogs typically have a slender and athletic build, while toads are shorter and more rounded.

• Amphibians with a sleek, long-legged appearance are likely to be frogs.
• Amphibians with a stocky, short body and smaller legs may be toads.

Take note of the skin. Frog skin is much smoother than toad skin. Toads usually have rough, bumpy skin. Frogs have smooth, moist skin, while toad skin often appears covered in warts.

Observe the color. Frogs are typically lighter in color compared to toads. Their color tends to lean more towards green. While toad skin can also have a greenish tint, it is generally darker than that of frogs.

• Toad skin can range in shades from dark green to olive green.
• Frog skin tends to be lighter in hue, with some frogs exhibiting an olive yellow tint.
• However, don't rely solely on color to differentiate between them, as some frog species can be brownish-green.

Observe the animal when it jumps. Both frogs and toads jump, but frogs jump more frequently and higher.

• Frogs can make very high and far jumps.
• Toads have shorter jumps and are not as capable of jumping long distances.

Pay attention to whether the animal is crawling. Toads generally crawl more often than they jump. Crawling is the primary mode of movement for toads. Frogs are rarely seen crawling. If an animal is crawling, it is likely a toad.

• Consider other factors, such as a frog that may be crawling due to injury.

Consider the location where you find the animal. Frogs need to be near water to survive, while toads spend most of their time away from water. An animal found near water is likely a frog. If you see an animal far from water, it may be a toad. Frogs rarely venture far from water sources.

Dim the lights to reduce frog noise. Frogs can be quite noisy at night, especially when they are hunting for food. Frogs feed on insects, and bright lights can attract insects to your home. The lights also draw frogs to gather in your backyard.

• Turn off outdoor lights at night.
• You can also close curtains in the evening to prevent indoor lighting from attracting insects.

Keep dogs away from frogs and toads. Some frog and toad species can be toxic to dogs. If a dog bites a toad, toxins can be released, poisoning the animal. If you see your dog biting a toad, take them to the vet immediately. This is an emergency.

• Signs of toad poisoning include excessive drooling, rubbing at the eyes or mouth, convulsions, difficulty breathing, and unsteady movements.
• If your pet displays any of these symptoms, they need immediate veterinary care.

Wash your hands after handling a frog or toad. Generally, it's best not to touch wild animals. However, if you do handle a frog or toad, be sure to wash your hands afterward.

• If a child handles a frog or toad, ensure they wash their hands afterward.

Do not capture wild frogs or toads as pets. Taking wild animals as pets is never a good idea. Frogs and toads in the wild aren't suited to captivity and will struggle to adapt. They may also carry diseases. If you want a frog or toad as a pet, buy one from a reputable pet store.

Properly care for your pet frog or toad. Pet stores offer frogs and toads for domestication. If you decide to keep one, ensure you're providing them with proper care. Create an appropriate environment and shelter for them.

• You must clean the tank of your frog or toad daily. A dirty tank can lead to serious health risks for them.
• Frogs and toads require a diverse diet. You can purchase food from pet stores, such as crickets and mealworms, but you should also feed them various other insects. Supplement their diet with grasshoppers, snails, and silkworms.
• Limit contact with your pet reptiles or amphibians. Even pets purchased from a store can carry diseases. Always wash your hands after handling them, avoid cleaning their tanks in the kitchen or bathroom, and refrain from kissing or petting your frog or toad.

• Some frog and toad species may carry toxins. Check with your local Department of Natural Resources office to find out which amphibians in your area could be toxic.