No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Size
Usually 6 to 8 inches long (NCWRC); can reach 8 inches or more and weigh over 2 pounds (CDFW). Missouri gives 3.5 to 6 inches snout to vent, occasionally to 8.75.
How to recognize it
No ridge (dorsolateral fold) down each side of the back
Large round eardrum: about twice the eye in males, about eye-sized in females
Fully webbed hind feet, longest toe extends past the webbing
Where in Massachusetts
Statewide; likely introduced to Dukes Nantucket counties. MassWildlife
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Size
2 to 3.5 inches long (NCWRC: up to 4 inches); females are larger than males.
How to recognize it
Dark spots on the back hold only a few large warts; the similar Fowler's toad has three or more. Agencies give different counts for the American toad (TWRA: one or two; Ohio DNR: one, two or three; Georgia DNR: usually no more than one), so wart count alone does not settle it; check the head crests too (see lookalikes).
A large, kidney- or bean-shaped parotoid gland behind each eye that usually does not touch the bony ridge (cranial crest) above the eye, or touches it only by a short spur.
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Where in Massachusetts
Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes counties. One population still known from each of Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Essex, Middlesex, and Plymouth counties … MassWildlife
Conservation
state threatened (MESA list, Aug 16 2024)
What the sources say
Range: Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes counties. One population still known from each of Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Essex, Middlesex, and Plymouth counties. Likely extirpated from Suffolk and Norfolk counties. Uncertain status in Nantucket County. Listed as Threatened.
The difference official sources agree on is at the head: in the American toad the ridge (cranial crest) behind each eye is separate from the parotoid gland or joined to it only by a short spur; in Fowler's toad the two touch. Fowler's toad also has three or more warts in each of the larger dark spots, while the American toad has fewer (TWRA: one or two; Ohio DNR: one, two or three; Georgia DNR: usually no more than one). Fowler's toad has a whitish belly, often with a single dark spot on the chest; the American toad's belly is peppered with dark spots. The two can hybridize, so some toads cannot be told apart.
The difference official sources agree on is at the head: in the American toad the ridge (cranial crest) behind each eye is separate from the parotoid gland or joined to it only by a short spur; in Fowler's toad the two touch. Fowler's toad also has three or more warts in each of the larger dark spots, while the American toad has fewer (TWRA: one or two; Ohio DNR: one, two or three; Georgia DNR: usually no more than one). Fowler's toad has a whitish belly, often with a single dark spot on the chest; the American toad's belly is peppered with dark spots. The two can hybridize, and hybrids have intermediate features.
Maine IF&W lists the spring peeper's distinguishing characteristics: Maine's smallest frog (about 0.8 to 1.5 inches), grayish- or orangish-brown above with a distinct dark X on the back, and smooth skin; it notes it is commonly confused with the gray treefrog.
Green frog (young; including bronze color form) Not stated
MDC: young green frogs can be similar in color but lack the dark brown mask through each eye.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When frogs and toads are active in Massachusetts
Records of frogs and toads in Massachusetts peak in May to September. They show when people record frogs and toads, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
3,928 records of frogs and toads in Massachusetts by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
How to report
Wildlife problems: contact MassWildlife, (508) 389-6300 or [email protected] (M–F 8–4). Rattlesnake sightings: [email protected] (photos from a distance); suspected illegal activity: Massachusetts Environmental Police 1-800-632-8075. Rare species sightings: MassWildlife Heritage Hub or Rare Animal Observation Form. Spotted lanternfly in a new town: photo + reporting form at mass.gov/slf. Non-emergency shark sightings on the Outer Cape: Sharktivity app or ranger stations (508) 255-2112 / (508) 487-2100. MassWildlife
About this list
The species list comes from Amphibians and Reptiles in Massachusetts (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), Update September 2020 (printable list); Internet Archive capture 2026-01-17).
Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.
“You can report sightings of rattlesnakes to MassWildlife at [email protected], or report any suspected illegal activity directly to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.”
Amphibians and Reptiles in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). archived copy, captured January 17, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
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