Bewildered by declining numbers of boreal toads, the
Colorado Division of Wildlife is hoping the “help wanteds’ will
yield some clues. The agency is displaying colorful posters at
trailheads and outdoor equipment stores, describing the small toads
and asking for the public’s help in finding them. Since the boreal
toad is uniquely adapted to the high elevations of the Rocky
Mountains, wildlife officials say that anything warty found above
8,000 feet is probably a winner. The toads are easiest to find as
tadpoles, when they’re jet-black and given to hanging out on the
sunny side of a pond. As adults, they reach four inches in length,
venture away from the water and sport a light stripe down their
backs. Those who suspect they’ve found a boreal toad should make a
precise note of where it was located and call the Division’s
volunteer coordinator at 970/484-2836, ext. 337. Any reasonable
lead will be
investigated.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Wanted alive.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
