American Toad, photo by James Marvin Phelps (mandj98).

The UM Animal Diversity Web says that Bufo americanus (American toad):

…have an immense ability to adapt to their surroundings as long as there is a source of semi-permanent water for them to use in the breeding season. This quality has allowed them to successfully colonize suburban and agricultural areas.

American toads have short legs, stout bodies, and thick skins with noticeable warts. These warts can be colored red and yellow. The warty skin contains many glands that produce a poisonous milky fluid, providing these toads with excellent protection from many of their predators. This poison is only harmful if it is swallowed or if it gets in the eyes, but it can make many animals very sick.

Head over for much more including photos and sounds of the American Toad. More at American Toad on Wikipedia and the Michigan Herps Froga & Toads page.

Toads do not cause warts, and in case you’re tempted to harm these guys, consider what the Michigan DNR says about the American Toad: A beneficial species in gardens, eats many insect pests – a modest-sized toad will eat about 3200 insects in a season.

James says he caught this guy soaking up the sun on the lava rocks in his yard. You can view it extra-large at his web site.