My good deed for the day!

[werdnal]

As if half term here, we went out today, and took a drive down to Par Nature Reserve on Cornwall south coast, to sit by the duck pond and eat our lunch. Just driving into the reserve, when I noticed something in the road and almost didn't give it a second thought. Then in a flash of recognition, I realised it was a toad. Luckily, at that moment there was no traffic coming, so I jumped out and tried to guide it out of harms way - then I noticed a very small male was clinging to her back. My effort to hurry them were in vain, but as they were obviously heading accross the road towards the pond, I picked them up and put them on the grass verge out of harms way. Got a funny look from the occupants of a passing car, but by the time I got back in mine, there were several cars coming behind me, so I doubt they would have made it across (there were several flattened bodies around, further along the road). Again another "do I interfere dilema" but this time it had to be a split second decision and I had no choice!

[Farplace]

Rightly or wrongly, I'd have done the same..

[faz]

you were right i will always help wildlife

[Dogghound]

I think in this case its always right to interfere with amphibians (or any other slow moving creature) on a road. There is no reason not to pick them up carefully and move them several meters to safety as long as you dont put yourself or other people at risk on the road. It would be a different scenario altogether if you picked them up put them in your car and drove miles before releasing them.

I picked up two gravid female common frogs from a busy road last night. I moved them into some undergrowth at the side of the road in the direction they appeared to be going. Part of me want to take them the extra 300 meters or so home but I decided to let them decide where they wanted to spawn. Regardless if I though it was more or less dangerous.

[Tursiops2]

Originally Posted by werdnal

Again another "do I interfere dilema" but this time it had to be a split second decision and I had no choice!

In this instance, the issue is far more clear cut. Thousands of toads die on Britain's roads every spring, and there is nothing "natural" about being squashed by a car. Rest assured, you are not alone: On the road with the toad patrol - News - East Anglian Daily Times
T2

[Deb London]

Since the road and all the vehicles that pass along it every hour are not really a natural occurrence, I'd have no dilemma here. After all, toad patrols/crossings have been set up in the UK for this very reason.

[~T~]

I rescued 8 frogs after work today. I got off the bus a few stops early so I would pass the pond which is just at the edge of some fields but beside a reasonably busy road. When waiting for the bus this morning I saw one squashed so I knew it was time and its been raining all day so is perfect for them. Sadly there were already a few squished but I caught 2 males and 6 big females. One of the males I almost left as it was lying upside down but I decided to grab it anyway (risking my own life as a bus was on it's way down. It was kinda limp but moving and didnt seem crushed in any way. As I walked down to the pond fearing the worst it seemed to recover and hopped off when I let it go. I think I'll take another wee wander down later and see if theres any more. The locals already think im nuts

[Kayleigh]

I wish I could save a few from the lane here its a country lane and they drive so fast I have jump onto the verge as not be hit but when walking the dog I see lots of toads that didn't make it through the night.

[BarbaraEmma]

Isn't it nice to know there are some lovely people still out there.
We have a brook just outside our garden and it's awful to see the frogs and toads squashed there,the cars that use the lane are all locals and they know what happens every year but they aren't interested enough to slow down and take a bit of care.I've picked up loads so far this year and helped them to get across in one piece but you can't be out there all the time and for the crows it's a free meal.
Someone asked me last week why I was putting bits of stick down the drains on the mountain road where I walk in the mornings.I think it was something I read on this site about it helping newts etc.to have something to climb up to escape if they fall down there.I can't go past a blinking drain now without worrying.
Barbara

[allyryan]

My daughter came home all upset the other evening saying that a frog jumped straight off the platform at the station into a fast train and there was no sight of it after the train had gone through. But after a few moments she said hopefully it might have clung on the to the side and lived ...... you can only hope!!!!! I have visions of it all the way to Portsmouth.