Why Toads Dig into the Dirt and What It Means for Their Survival

You might not guess it, but toads are surprisingly adept diggers. Despite their squat, bumpy bodies, toads are surprisingly skilled at digging. These humble amphibians use burrowing as a key part of their survival strategy. Whether nestled into the leaf litter of a forest or under a garden’s moist soil, toads dig for multiple reasons. Toads burrow to stay safe, to stay cool, and to rest or hibernate through harsh seasons.

We will explore why and how toads burrow. Furthermore, we will examine the physical characteristics that facilitate their digging abilities and the seasonal patterns that dictate when they burrow.

Why Do Toads Burrow?

Toads burrow for several vital reasons, each essential for their health and longevity.

• Safety and Protection– Toads are preyed upon by a wide variety of animals, including snakes, birds, and mammals. Burrowing helps them hide from predators, especially during the day when they are more vulnerable.
• Temperature Regulation– Unlike mammals, toads cannot regulate their body temperature. In hot or dry environments, they burrow to escape the heat and reduce moisture loss. This is especially important in summer when dehydration is a significant threat.
• Brumation– In colder climates, toads burrow deep into the ground to hibernate, or more accurately, to enter a state called brumation, which is similar to hibernation in reptiles and amphibians. Brumation refers to dormancy undergone by ectothermic “cold-blooded” animals, while hibernation refers to dormancy undergone by endothermic “warm-blooded” animals. This time can last through the entire winter season until temperatures rise again in spring.
• Moisture Conservation– Even in mild weather, burrowing helps a toad retain moisture. Their skin is permeable, allowing them to absorb water through it. A cool, damp underground space protects them from drying out.

How Do Toads Burrow?

Unlike many other animals that use their front limbs to dig, toads back into the soil, using their strong, stubby hind legs to kick dirt out behind them. This backward-digging technique allows them to burrow down into the earth tail-first, often leaving only a slight depression or none visible on the surface at all. Once underground, the toad typically tucks itself in, with its body compressed and limbs close to its sides. The depth of a toad’s burrow depends on factors such as the type of soil or sand, moisture levels, and the reason for burrowing. For brumation, toads may burrow deeper underground, while for shorter periods of rest, they stay closer to the surface.

How Long Do Toads Stay Burrowed?

Toads burrow underground for various reasons, and the duration of their stay can vary significantly based on different factors.

• Daytime Refuge– A toad may stay burrowed just during the heat of the day, emerging in the cool evening to hunt for insects.
• Brumation– In colder regions, toads can remain underground for months, typically from late fall until spring, depending on local climate and species.
• Dry Periods– In very hot or dry climates, such as deserts, toads can enter a state of aestivation (a warm-weather version of brumation), remaining underground until the rains return, sometimes for several months depending on the severity and duration of the drought.

Do They Burrow in the Wild and Captivity?

Toads’ burrowing habits are instinctive and occur both in the wild and in captivity. In the wild, toads will seek out soft, loamy, or sandy soils, leaf litter, or even loose mulch to dig into. They often reuse favorite spots or dig new ones depending on seasonal needs. In captivity, pet toads or toads in research environments will attempt to burrow if provided with suitable substrate, such as soil, coconut fiber, or moss. Without the ability to dig, captive toads may become stressed, dehydrated, or ill, underscoring the critical importance of this behavior.

Do Both Toads and Frogs Burrow?

So, do frogs burrow too? You might wonder about the difference between frogs and toads. Scientifically, the distinction is not always clear-cut. Both frogs and toads are amphibians belonging to the order Anura, a Greek term meaning “without tail.” This group includes approximately 7,839 recognized species, with toads falling under the category of frogs, but not all frogs are toads.

Frogs are generally thought of as slimy, long-legged jumpers that thrive near water, while toads are often seen as warty, stout creatures that prefer a life spent on land. However, this distinction is more cultural than scientific, and they share many biological similarities. Interestingly, both groups have the ability to burrow, utilizing this behavior for moisture retention, temperature regulation, and protection from predators. This shared burrowing ability demonstrates the adaptability of these amphibians, enabling them to thrive in a wide range of environments, not just their usual habitats.

Conclusion

From escaping predators to surviving droughts and seasonal extremes, burrowing is essential to a toad’s way of life. This remarkable behavior is more than just a quirky trait; it’s a survival strategy deeply rooted in the biology of these resilient amphibians. Gaining a deeper understanding of how and why toads burrow helps us appreciate their adaptability and reinforces the importance of preserving and creating suitable habitats, whether you’re observing them in the wild or caring for one at home. So, the next time you notice a small depression in the soil or a mysterious lump under a pile of leaves or mulch, take a closer look—it could be a toad resting just beneath the surface, patiently waiting for the right conditions to emerge.