Researchers Discover New Ice Age Toad Species at La Brea Tar Pits, Shedding Light on Ancient Climate
A new species of extinct amphibian, the spadefoot toad Spea labreae, has been discovered at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. This marks the first time a new species of extinct amphibian from the Ice Age has been identified at this site. The discovery was made by Dr. Alberto Cruz, a researcher at the Samuel Oschin Global Center for Ice Age Research, who initially mistook the specimen for a sick or injured toad. Further examination revealed it to be a distinct species, separate from known spadefoot toads. The findings, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, highlight the ongoing research and discoveries at the La Brea Tar Pits, which continue to provide insights into the climate and environment of the last Ice Age. 
