For a recent book project, I joined Yosemite’s aquatic biologist in search of federally threatened Yosemite Toads. We hiked a couple miles into the Yosemite backcountry, at around 10,000 ft, and before long began hearing their distinctive trills across the plateau. We traversed over to the shallow pools from where the vocalizations were emanating and watched an amazing show unfold. Yosemite toads breed in ephemeral small pools only a few inches deep. Attempting to attract females, the males stake out a spot and vocalize repeatedly. When another male approaches too close or an individual is trying to claim a new spot, they often engage in physical combat. They will often wrestle and shove each other trying to hold their opponents head under the water.
Laying in the mud on the edge of the pool to get a ground level view, I watched as one toad approached the individual closest to me. He quickly jumped on the other’s back and the wrestle match was on. The male on top engaged the other in a headlock, attempting to shove his head under the water, while the bottom toad tried to wiggle free. This went on for a couple minutes before the grasp was released, they moved apart and began vocalizing again hoping to attract the attention of the females nearby.
Canon 5d Markii, Canon 400mm f/5.6, 1/160sec, f/13, iso 400
