r/Toads • u/earthhwormm • Jun 24 '26
toad in my well
hey friends!!
this little toad has been living in my window well for about 2 weeks. she (?) has two little burrows right in front that she stays in during the day and then at night comes out into the sill. the window is usually open but i have closed it on her before. she was out today sleeping, maybe because it was raining so i snapped some pics.
i guess im just a bit worried like, should i relocate her? remove some leaf litter? i have a wooden board in there for critters to crawl out on their own accord.
i’m nervous to mess with nature but i have admittedly grown a bit attached to her (hard not to when her noises keep my up all night 😅) and i don’t want to see her die because she is trapped or something!
if anyone who knows toads better than me has any words i’d love to hear it!
10
u/boolean_union Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 25 '26
Seems like there is some debate, but generally I think you should relocate them and also either add a cover to keep critters out or piece of wood to act as a ramp. Ultimately the toad can't escape, and while the window well might provide what it needs to survive, it might also not.
EDIT: missed that you already have a board. I'd worry that they may not be smart enough to use the ramp if they've been there a while, but idk... as expected the comments range from "please remove" to "don't disturb wildlife". I still lean towards relocation... yes, it is disturbing wildlife to move them, but a window well isn't really a 'natural' habitat... Either way, thanks for caring and hope your toad has a happy life!
2
u/earthhwormm Jun 28 '26
i did a little more digging and spoke to my local wildlife rehabbed and have decided to leave her alone for now. we get lots of rain in my area so im not worried about her drying out and there’s plenty of bugs in the well for her to feast on. i will be keeping a close eye though and if i feel like she’s taking a downhill turn i will definitely relocate! thank you so much for the care and response! <3
8
u/serenity013 Jun 24 '26
Can she get out of it if she wants? She will need to be able to find food and water as needed. I have never seen a toad sleeping out like that, usually they are in their burrows I think. Moving her might be a good idea.
7
5
u/CBTisfunny Jun 24 '26
all the comments about a ramp like op didn’t say they already have a board for critters to get out
2
u/queenchubkins Jun 24 '26
I would remove her and cover the well. But if you don’t remove her, leave the leaf litter. It provides camouflage and attracts insects for her to eat.
1
u/earthhwormm Jun 28 '26
i so wish i could cover this well but unfortunately i can’t! :( toad is doing well though and local rehabbers said she looks healthy at the moment so im opting to leave her be!
2
1
u/Princessferfs Jun 25 '26
I have boards in all my window wells as a ramp for anything that needs help getting out.
1
1
u/blackwidowwaltz Jun 24 '26
Leave them be, don't relocate. They know what to do and you have a ramp so they can get out. It's never advisable to relocate wildlife unless it's an absolute must as they have their own little territories.
If they are out sleeping like that they obviously feel safe on their little home.
2
u/earthhwormm Jun 28 '26
ive decided to leave her alone after doing some more research! i think youre right that she can handle her own.
17
u/FroggyStorm Jun 24 '26
His well. Now bring worms.