Oregon Spotted Frog
Oregon spotted frog (scientifically named “Rana pretiosa”) is a medium-sized aquatic animal that rarely strays away from water. This amphibious creature is known for being a great swimmer, an attribute related to the cleverly designed webbing on its feet extending to the tip of its toes.
The term “Preciosa” as its scientific name implies means “precious.” With only a few of them remaining, Oregon spotted frogs are among the most endangered species in Canada.
Massasauga
Scientifically named “Sistrurus catenatus,” the massasauga is a small and thick-bodied rattlesnake and the only surviving species in the southern part of Ontario.
Although it’s a venomous rattlesnake, it poses minimal threat to public safety mostly because of its shy nature, thus staying away from human contact at all costs. This snake’s unique trait is mostly its high-pitch rattle, a warning sign for both people and other animals to stay out of their sight.
The massasauga rattlesnake has been the subject of prevalent animal abuse.
Fowler’s Toad
The Fowler’s toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) is among the toad species in peril of facing extinction in Canada. The creature is named after Samuel Page Fowler, an American naturalist and founder of the Essex Institute in Salem, Massachusetts, in his honor.
Endemic to North America, the toad mostly appears as brown or rust-red, but others with grey or olive green skin have been spotted. It also has dimmed wart-like spots. Fowler’s toads mostly emit a characteristic, unroasted peanut-like smell.
Spiny Softshell Turtle
An undoubtedly unique creature, the spiny softshell turtle or “Apalone spinifera” is a freshwater amphibian hailed among the largest fellow species throughout North America. This turtle is mostly aquatic, capable of submerging for roughly five hours.
Since these animals lay their eggs in sandy locations, they are currently in danger of becoming eradicated. Property developers and beachgoers are unaware that they have threatened the future of this species.