Posted by Susan LeBlanc on December 3, 2006

Q: I had a gardening casualty today— as I was swinging a pick ax, I partially severed the front hand of a toad. He bled a little, and the hand is dangling. It's winter here, and I'm sure he wouldn't be able to dig another hole to hibernate in, so I brought him in the house and presently have him in a fish tank.

How can I help him heal and survive? What should I have in the bottom of the tank? I don't want to put dirt down there since he has an open wound. Should he be kept damp? And since he would normally be hibernating, should I feed him or not?

Thanks for any info...

State: California

A: I can imagine how you feel! To the best of my knowledge, your toad won't regrow a hand but if it heals, and I would expect it to do so, I can't see why it wouldn't be able to live a "normal" life. The very best thing you can do for the toad is put it back outside. Keeping the animal inside in warm temp will only make matters worse. Yes, dirt will get on the wound but that isn't as much of a problem as its getting too warm, using up fat reserves and being unable to survive the winter. One thing I might do is place some KY jelly, or something similar, over its stump as just a barrier. Why not find an out-of-the-way area of your garden, dig down a bit a gently place the toad there. Be sure to cover gently and maybe even put a board or leaves or grass over the area for a bit of extra insulation. Your toad is "programmed" to be cool over the winter so it can remain dormant and not use up its fat reserves and life inside your home won't be helpful.

Take a look at one of our upcoming units on toad hibernation at www.enaturalist.org In the spring, keep a lookout for your toad and if you see him, you may want to offer earthworms and soft-bodied insects just to ensure he has plenty to eat. Amphibians are quite hardy and although it may seem really terrible that your toad lost his hand, I think you'll find that he can manage just fine. Best of luck to you.

John Wiessinger ( December 4, 2006)