Fowler's Toad
Anaxyrus fowleri · Also known as: Fowlers toad
Common coastal toad of sandy soils, part of Assateague’s frog and toad community that needs freshwater ponds to breed.
Quick facts
| Group | Frog / toad |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★☆☆ |
| Habitats | Dunes, Freshwater ponds, Maritime forest, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore, Mainland near OC |
| Seasons (this coast) | spring, summer |
How to recognize them
- Dry, warty skin; usually brown/gray with darker blotches; pale stripe down the back.
- Call is a short, nasal “waaa” rather than a long trill.
Biology notes
- Breeds in freshwater ponds and pools in the island interior after rains.
- Forages insects at night on dunes and open ground.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague dune hollows and pond edges on warm nights.
- Mainland sandy yards and roads after summer rains.
When to look
- Breeding choruses in spring–summer; nocturnal foragers all warm season.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Use a dim light; avoid handling amphibians with sunscreen/bug spray on your hands.
