Why do toads have warty skin instead of smooth skin?

The bumpy look of a toad comes from glandular skin structures, including parotoid glands behind the eyes in many species. These glands can secrete toxins that make predators think twice before eating them. Unlike frogs, toads are often better adapted to drier habitats, so their skin also tends to be thicker and less dependent on constant moisture. The raised bumps do not mean the animal is sick; they are a normal part of toad anatomy. This defensive skin chemistry is one reason many toads survive in open, predator-rich environments.