What's the sand toad hibernate in ?

[N0z]

Hey quick question- what type of sand do toads hibernate in because i have heard a few people saying that they have found them in sand during the winter :O

Thanks

[Dogghound]

In general toads hibernate in small mammal burrows, under dense leaf litter, with log piles, compost heaps, under fallen trees, dry stone walls, cracks in banks etc basically anywhere which has a stable air temperature and is sheltered from frost.

I think these people may be refering the Natterjack toads which hibernate in a sandy burrow. Common toads may use sand but its is by no means a key hibernation requirement and the proportion which use it will be very small compared to other habitats. In general toads are usually found in woodland, farmland, grassland etc habitats which tend not to have large amounts of sand (although they are wide ranging and can be found on heathland which does).

[N0z]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

In general toads hibernate in small mammal burrows, under dense leaf litter, with log piles, compost heaps, under fallen trees, dry stone walls, cracks in banks etc basically anywhere which has a stable air temperature and is sheltered from frost.

I think these people may be refering the Natterjack toads which hibernate in a sandy burrow. Common toads may use sand but its is by no means a key hibernation requirement and the proportion which use it will be very small compared to other habitats. In general toads are usually found in woodland, farmland, grassland etc habitats which tend not to have large amounts of sand (although they are wide ranging and can be found on heathland which does).

I see, do they dig ? and some are very large, didnt think they could fit under a logpile

[Dogghound]

Yes they can dig (predominantly with their hind feet). They have no problems squeezing into tight gaps.

[N0z]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Yes they can dig (predominantly with their hind feet). They have no problems squeezing into tight gaps.

Thanks for the info

[King Edward]

Regarding the original question, I suspect this is likely to be people finding common toads living in piles of builder's sand or the like, especially when the pile is covered with an old plastic sheet, rather than in natural sandy environments. I don't know about hibernation specifically, but such a sand pile would make perfect summer living quarters for a garden toad.

[N0z]

Originally Posted by King Edward

Regarding the original question, I suspect this is likely to be people finding common toads living in piles of builder's sand or the like, especially when the pile is covered with an old plastic sheet, rather than in natural sandy environments. I don't know about hibernation specifically, but such a sand pile would make perfect summer living quarters for a garden toad.

Ahh i see,