Wild Ohio - American Toad Photo Courtesy of Greg Lipps
The American toad is found throughout Ohio. Those living near bodies of water may recognize the toad more by its sound than by sight. It has a long, almost musical, trill that many find a familiar sound as dusk falls on a mid-spring or early summer evening.
Touching a toad doesn't result in warts for the handler. However, the American toad does produce irritation in human skin. The secretions serve as a defense mechanism for the toad; the potential irritation reduces the likelihood of the toad being handled by people and produces a bitter taste to the animals that might prey on the toad.
Description of American Toad - http://www.ohioamphibians.com/frogs/american_toad.html