In recent weeks, a trilling call emanating from wetlands, ponds and lakes has been a clue to the presence of toads, most commonly the Eastern American toad (Bufo americanus) and their efforts to attract mates. The sound is just as lovely to the ear as the ensuing strands of bracelet-like eggs are to the eye.

As those eggs mature into toadlets and eventually, toads, these amphibians take on a more rugged appearance. They are easily differentiated from frogs due to their dry warty skin, shorter legs and a pair of parotoid glands atop their heads. The glands contain a poison used for defense against predators. Contrary to popular belief, you will not get warts from handling toads, but the poison can be irritating to the skin.

Frogs have smoother skin that must be kept moist, so they are never far from water. Toads are not limited to moist environments and can often be spotted in drier habitats, where their rusty coloration of earthy tones such as browns, greys and yellows helps them blend in with the leaf litter.

From October to March, Eastern American toads hibernate deeply beneath the leaf litter and emerge in early spring to breed and to drape their beaded egg strands along regional waterways. They are most active at night and can live up to 20 years in the wild.