However, the toad became extremely rare by the late 1970's. In 1987 a population of toads was located outside of Laramie. Surveys in 1987 and 1988 showed a healthy population of 100 to 150 toads. In 1990 reproduction was found to be at an extremely low rate due to red leg bacteria which was found amongst the toads. The average adult length is about 2.2 inches.
Males are slightly smaller than females.
The dorsal surface of the body has rounded warts. The warts size is between those of the Great Plains toad and the boreal toad. The cranial crests fuse medially to form an elongated boss, a ridge with a median groove, or paired ridges. Postorbital ridges are instinct or absent. The tympanum is round, smaller than the eye.