Just in time for Halloween, our #SpeciesOfTheWeek is the American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus). Toads are often recognized as a symbol for Halloween due to their association with witches and their “warty” skin. You’ve probably even heard the age-old myth that touching a toad will give you warts too! The little bumps on their skin are actually called “granular glands” and help toads camouflage with their surroundings. They also have two large parotoid glands located behind their eyes, which secrete a milky, white substance, that is mildly poisonous when ingested by predators. After picking up a toad, a dog will promptly drop it and may foam at the mouth, but will not be hurt. American Toads live a primarily nocturnal life, and often spend much of their day hiding in the leaf litter on the campgrounds and trails here at Murphys Point. Make sure to keep an eye out for them next time you’re here!