Toad behaviour

[tony d]

Several days ago I discovered a small, young toad which allowed me to take one photo and then scuttled under a rock. Two days ago I was watering my container plants and saw the soil in one of them move. Closer inspection revealed a 95% buried toad which has been in the pot since. Whenever my shadow crosses the pot the soil moves and he pops his head out.
I wasn't aware that toads buried themselves. Does anyone know if this is normal behaviour?

[Kayleigh]

Hi tony,

Yep, I was digging the garden in spring and dug one up he was about 2" below the surface. I think he was hibernating. I put him in a house I had mad before, out of a small slab on bricks at the back of the border.

[Dogghound]

Yes its very common for toads to bury themselves, there are several reasons for it, to stay cool and moist in summer, hibernate in winter (although usually this occurs under logs, leaf litter, rocks etc), and avoid predators. I have rehabilitated several toads and they all show this form of behaviour.

[tony d]

Thank you both.
Tony