If they’re in the middle of the yard, they’ll step up the hopping to get out of your way. If they’re close to the house, they’ll recede into the shadows and remain perfectly still, keenly hoping you won’t notice them. I always pretend we don’t.

(Helly isn’t grumpy, don’t let her RBF fool you.)

Introducing Helly! Helly, full name Hellebore; is a no-nonsense but sweet western toad. She may be older than some of my other characters, but she has a sharp tongue and can still hold her own in any situation. She is the glue that keeps everyone together.

@isadoraditch

@isadoraditch

brb gonna cry, look at the wittle baby toad i found in my garage 😭♥️

Who can resist picking up a nice toad while out for a stroll? This pleasingly-shaped western toad [Anaxyrus boreas] was found in Ensenada, Baja California. Image by Jorge H. Valdez.

What’s the rush, sir? This western toad [Anaxyrus boreas] was found speeding down a country road in Chino Hills State Park, California. Image by Ronald Garay.