The damp weather incites toads to hop across our roads. As a result, motorists should take care to drive cautiously and let the little animals cross safely.
The rain and temperatures unlikely to drop below 5°C means that toads will begin to wake from their hibernation. Weather conditions are ideal for the toads to begin their journeys to their spawning waters. Most toad activity usually occurs between sunset and midnight.
In comparison to frogs, toads are slightly lazier and tend to travel in very large groups. The number of toads crossing the road in one go makes their journey particularly dangerous: ten cars per hour could kill up to 30% of the toads crossing. The closer the animals get to the water, the slower they move. This is because some couples find each other on the way and the male lets the female carry him.
In a press release, the environmental organisation natur&ëmwelt advised motorists to contribute to the protection of amphibians by driving cautiously, especially in the evenings and at night. Further to that, they should drive carefully near areas where toads are likely to cross. Finally, motorists should look out for warning signs and volunteers patrolling streets with safety vests and torches. The volunteers help the toads in their perilous journey by putting them in a bucket and crossing the road.
The Luxembourgish association for animal protection likewise encouraged people to pay attention on the road, explaining that toad migration will likely last for another three weeks, depending on the weather. The association expects a lot of movement both on Friday night and throughout the weekend due to the forecast of rain.
