They are mainly nocturnal, tending to sleep under logs, stones or in burrows during the day. They have short limbs and only hop if startled. They normally walk or run, a bit like a lizard. They are poor swimmers and may drown in deep water if they cannot get on shore. When threatened they will inflate their bodies and raise themselves up to appear larger. They hibernate when the temperature drops below 8 degrees centigrade, usually in late Autumn and will dig their own hibernation tunnels. Sometimes several toads, including the common toad will share these tunnels.
