Large numbers of dead toads (1 Viewer)

[Andrew Gibson]

Went to Aberlady, East Lothian this week and saw a pond with lots of spawning toads but there was also lots bobing around in the edge dead with no back legs and guts hanging out. On looking round further there where a lot of intact dead toads and some sets of just back legs.
Any one know what is causing this.

 

[AndrewA]

Not sure to be honest but what you describe could be the result of mindless thugs maybe?
Andrew

 

[bartolli]

Maybe some hungry frenchies have been over!


Seriously tho, you could try the herpetological trust: http://www.arc-trust.org

 

[aeshna5]

Maybe a Mink or Otter?

 

[Mike Richardson]

Maybe a Mink or Otter?

That was my first thought. Polecat is out of range, otherwise this could also be added to the list of suspects.

 

[turkish van]

That was my first thought. Polecat is out of range, otherwise this could also be added to the list of suspects.

There are also stoats and weasels at Aberlady, I suppose they may be tempted by plump toads too?

 

[mudman]

I think this is a classic example of Otter predation.

 

[mothman]

Any overhanging trees?

A Buzzard has sat above the farm pond behind my house for 3 years now and picked off spawning frogs-he only eats the back legs and drops the rest of the frog from his perch(quite often still alive)

 

[Tideliner]

mallard often play and kill frogs and toads during the spawning season.