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 After a summer's afternoon warm rain, we often hear a characteristic
nasal “neeeeeee”. Most never inquire as to
the source, and most of those who do find nothing. The
source of the bleating sound is the Eastern narrow-mouthed toad
(Gastrophryne carolinensis), an inch-long pointy-nosed
amphibian that is common throughout Louisiana. It occupies
very diverse habitats, but usually being associated with damp
forests. It is not uncommon to even find this species hidden
under debris in salt marshes. In coastal Louisiana, they
have been known to congregate in large numbers within fifty yards
of the beach.
Breeding takes place from spring into the summer. These critters seem to prefer temporary pools, but they have been found breeding under a variety of aquatic conditions. Their breeding sites of choice are always well vegetated. The males call (croak) with only the tips of their snouts exposed above water. They hold onto vegetation and are almost impossible to find, as they quickly swim away when approached. Breeding usually takes place at night, but daytime choruses are common. The females may lay up to 1,000 eggs which hatch into little tadpoles that have no horny beaks like most other species because they filter their food from the water column.
Narrow-mouthed toads will eat most invertebrates that they can get into their mouths, but their favorite seems to be ants and termites.
If you ever find one and pick it up, be careful not to touch your eyes or mouth before you wash your hands. They have skin secretions that can cause a burning or tingling sensation. For this reason, they seem to be one of the few local species for which there is no recipe!
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