Wyoming Toads Officially Have A New Home

Once thought extinct, Wyoming Toads are back and have a new home.

At one point, the Wyoming Toad was a common sight in southeastern Wyoming, but by the 1980s, it was on the endangered species list. In the 1990s, the population was so small that it was decided to bring the last known living toads into captivity and try to keep the species alive. In 2020, there were nearly 700 Wyoming Toads, which're still around today.

In September of 2023, the Wyoming Toads were given a at the Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge's Wyoming Toad Conservation Area.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the help of many partners, hopes that the Wyoming toad will once again thrive throughout the Laramie Plains of Wyoming.

Even though the conservation area was dedicated last fall, it wasn't until recently that it became official with a new sign.

We're thrilled to celebrate the establishment of the Wyoming Toad Conservation Area in Laramie, Wyoming! On June 18, 2024, USFWS, along with partners and stakeholders, gathered to mark this significant milestone and unveil the new sign.
The real cherry on top? Releasing captive-bred, endangered Wyoming toads (Anaxyrus baxteri) back into their natural habitat! This wouldn't have been possible without the tireless efforts of our locally led partners, like Dan Schlager, Wyoming State Director of The Conservation Fund, who worked together to acquire these lands for the benefit of both the toads and the local community. A huge thank you to all our partners for their dedication to preserving our natural wonders!