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Community Corner

Of Toads and Dogs

Riverdale Park's Toads In Mating Season

I've noticed a number of toads on the stretch of the bike path between Riverdale Road and Decatur Street.  Unfortunately, some of them were crushed by bicycles or foot traffic.  I see the toads dart off of the bike path as I approach in the early morning.  (I also frequently seen them on the sidewalks and bike paths in Chincoteague, VA on a recent trip).  It makes one wonder what they are doing.  Something must provoke them to be active this time of year.

Edgar my dog is fascinated by the toads.  I'm not sure if he's ever got a good look at one since they dart away if he gets too close.  He's always happy to see what they smell like, but this is not easy – the toad jumps and Edgar follows in indiscriminate directions. 

Perhaps the toads are looking for mates.  This may be true particularly if they are Fowler's Toads.   It turns out that this type of toad mates between late April and August.  This may explain their presence around the bike path since this segment is adjacent to the Northeast Branch of the Anacostia River on the east, and a drainage ditch and the pumping station on the west. 

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The Fowler's Toad is brown or grey with dark spots with a white belly. Occasionally, they have a dark breast spot. Fowler's Toads are around 2"-3" long with the males being a little smaller than the females.  The males also have a black throat.  They prefer flood plain areas or shorelines.

You may be lucky enough to see a toad if you are walking the bike path.  They aren't too hard to catch.  If you have children, be on the lookout.   I'm sure your youngsters wouldn't mind a closer look. 

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In the future, I will attempt to identify these toads if Edgar permits.

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