Epping Forest - Toad in the Hole

Common Toad - Bufo Bufo
All Toad photo's taken at Bell Common South Pond

Taken at Epping Thicks - Epping Forest

Three's a Crowd

Common toads secrete an irritant from their skin that prevents most predators from wanting to eat them. Unfortunately for the toads however, a few predators, such as grass snakes and hedgehogs, don't seem to be deterred.

If they avoid getting gobbled by a snake or hedgehog, toads can live for up to 40 years.

Common Toads emerge from hibernation in late February and start a hazardous journey to their breeding ponds. Toads return to the same pond year after year.

A male common toad in amplexus with the much larger female. Males often clasp a female on the way to the breeding ponds and hitch a ride.