Hundreds of toads hop free

CHEYENNE (AP) — Wildlife officials are releasing more than 900 toads in Wyoming, saying they could help researchers find ways for the endangered species and other amphibians to resist a devastating fungus.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are freeing the toads Wednesday at three places, including the Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The toads were raised in a national facility.

Some of the toads will be temporarily confined to cages to keep them safe from predators.

The goal is not only to boost toad numbers but to establish a population that will aid research into how amphibians can better resist chytrid fungus.

The fungus has devastated amphibian species worldwide in recent years.