Common Toad

Description:

One of two native toads in the UK, distinguished from the much rarer natterjack toad by the lack of a yellow dorsal stripe. It is nocturnal, remaining hidden in a small den during the day and coming out especially on damp nights to hunt invertebrates. Return to the same pond in which they spawned every year, many toads die on roads as a result. Toads are active up until early October, so I think this one will be hibernating soon.

Habitat:

Prefers wooded areas that are damp, but can also be found in open fields, gardens and parks. These toads are found in many areas around Colchester, including near my home (there is a pond behind it), but these toads were found in the wet meadow near the University of Essex.

Notes:

I really don't like to handle wild organisms unless I feel I have to. With both of these toads, I felt they were in danger if I didn't move them. The area we were walking in was not well lit at all, and I had to stop my boyfriend from stepping on them as he didn't see them. There was a fair amount of foot traffic, and I have seen a few squashed toads in the area. I picked them up to move them away from the footpath, and decided it was a rare opportunity for me to get a picture. Please rest assured that I was holding them very gently, and at all times kept my hands only 5 or 10cm away from the ground. I handled them only as long as it took to move them out of the way, pausing for a few seconds to get the pictures!