The Great Plains toad (Bufo cognatus) is a relatively large species of toad. It ranges from southern Alberta, throughout the midwest United States and the inland western United States into northern Mexico.
Adult snout-vent lengths range from 47 to 103 mm for males and from 49 to 115 mm for females. The body is large and broad, with prominent parotoid glands, and numerous, small dorsal tubercles. On the head, the two cranial crest form a "V" between the eyes. Dorsal coloration is usually greenish, but may be grey, brown, or brownish-yellow. Large dorsal patches are paired and may be bordered by a black and a cream or white band. Smaller spots are present on the sides of the body, and green spots are found on the legs. Males have a black vocal sac, covered by a light-colored throat sac. The call is described as metallic and loud.