Some people value the poisonous Colorado River Toad for its powerful toxin. Unfortunately, this may contribute to the toad's endangerment.

Colorado River Toads are native to arid desert areas near washes, dry grasslands, and woodlands. They are most often seen during the rains of March and July, and are semi-aquatic. Colorado River Toads often live near large streams, although they have also been frequently found near human-made waterways like canals, or near smaller springs or large rain puddles. These toads eat insects like scorpions, spiders, snails, and centipedes, although it has been known to eat small lizards, mice, or other small amphibians. Where larger insects are not available, Colorado River Toads may eat beetles, termites, or ants. Generally nocturnal, Colorado River Toads use the burrows of other animals to hide in. They may also take shelter under human-made structures like water troughs. When hot daytime temperatures have receded, Colorado River Toads generally make their way toward wet areas, where they congregate.

Growing to about 7.5 inches, Colorado River Toads have pale orange warts on their hind legs and other parts of their body. Usually, about three white colored warts are located near the mouth. The rest of the toad has leathery olive green to dark brown skin. Generally, the underside of the toad is a cream color. They are also characterized by the elongated shape of their parotid glands, and by their cranial crests. Parotid glands are located both on the toad's broad head and on the limbs. Colorado River Toads secrete a very poisonous toxin that causes powerful hallucinations when ingested and in large amounts may even be able to kill a human. This toxin is known as bufotenine. This can be a major problem for pet dogs in areas where these toads live. It is not uncommon for these toads to wander into yards. Curious dogs will often mouth the toads and this can kill the dog if they are not treated immediately. Flushing out the dog's mouth with water has been reported to help if this happens. It is recommended that you call your vet if this occurs.

Also known as Sonoran Desert Toads, Colorado River Toads are found throughout the Sonoran Desert. Native to southern California and Arizona in the United States of America, they range down through North America into Sinaloa, Mexico.

In captivity, you should have both land and water areas available to the Colorado River Toad. These toads may be fed insects and pinkie mice.

Colorado River Toads require some wet area to breed in. Most often, this is a large, permanent stream, although they have been known to use rain created ponds or human- made waterways like canals. Usually, the onset of warm spring rains stimulates Colorado River Toads to breed. They will congregate near breeding areas and males will call to females. Up to 200 males have been observed in the same area. Generally, between 7,500 and 8,000 eggs will be laid by the female.