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About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise the baby yourself. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Wild Animals > fire bellied toad strange behavior

Wild Animals - fire bellied toad strange behavior


Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 7/2/2009

Question
I recently bought two toads from the local pet shop and one has being strangely grabbing on to the other ones hind legs and wont let go. The one underneath will make this high pitched, "crying" type of noise. Are they mating? Fighting? Is one killing the other? Please help...thx :)

Answer
Dear Kaylynn,

If the grabber is holding on to the grabee just above the tops of the thighs, he might be a male trying to get the female to engage in the mating grip known as amplexus.  You can see pictures here:

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Amphibian,%20Toad,%20Red-Belly.htm

And find information on proper care of your little pals.

The grabee's cry is a release cry.  Either she's a female who's not interested in mating, or a subordinate male crying "uncle" to the male who's establishing dominance by harrassing him this way.

Hope they get along better soon!  If not, then it might be wise to separate them until both toads can get used to their new surroundings and feel comfortable, since stress like this can increase their likelihood of getting sick.

Hope this helps.

Dana


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