Take a rare glimpse into the breeding behavior of the great plains toad (Anaxyrus cognatus), a Wyoming species of greatest conservation need. These toads are more often heard and not seen, due to their incredibly loud calls for such a small animal! This video shows how male toads produce their calls—by inflating a sac on their throat (called the vocal pouch) with air. Each summer, just after sunset, males congregate in temporary ponds on the high prairie and begin their impressive chorus. Wildli

#TandETuesday Great Plains Toad (Anaxyrus cognatus) Native to North America, this large toad thrives from Canada to Mexico. It's a master of survival, spending time underground to escape harsh weather. During winter, it burrows below frost to stay warm. Spot them at dusk or dawn in spring/summer; they're slow but captivating. When danger looms, watch them inflate or secrete to fend off predators like snakes. A remarkable display of nature's ingenuity! Wyoming Game and Fish Department Acoustic Sp