AboutEdward Expertise I am a wildlife rehabber in North America and can answer questions on many species, especially North and South American Species
Experience I have handreared many different types of animals, mainly raccoons, oppossums, raptors, songbirds, crows, deer, and bears. I also have worked in animal centers and zoos.
Organizations World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International.
Publications Ranger Rick Magazine
Education/Credentials Degree in zoology and wildlife biology.
Expert: Edward Date: 7/17/2008 Subject: toad follow-up question
Question QUESTION: Hi,
We are in a new home and just found over 15 frogs in our three basement window wells. Grass seed has been sprayed in the backyard, and there is a small lake several houses down the street, but we don't know how the frogs got there - the window wells are not connected. They are grayish in color with some darker markings, less than an inch in length (don't know how old they are) but we don't know what kind they are. They don't seem thin, but we don't know if they can get out. We don't know whether we should take them out and put them on the grass lawn, leave them (they probably are eating little bugs and getting rain/sprinkler water), or something else. Thanks for any information!
ANSWER: Hello Laura.
These are not frogs, but probably toads. They are attracted to the dampness and coolness of your window wells. They do the very same thing at my house. They probably can get out, but just to be safe, give them a way out, such as a board or something to act as a ramp. If these are toads, and I believe they are, then they do not need a pond or such to survive. If they are a nuisance or you are afraid of harming them (and understandably so) then you can release them into a nearby forest or marsh and such. If not, they should do just fine on their own.
Hope this helped,
Edward.
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QUESTION: Thanks for your information...It helped a lot! Is there anything health-wise I need to worry about for my family with the toads? We aren't planning on touching them (although we've already rescued one stuck in our window screen with a cup), but are there any diseases they may carry? I've heard of Salmonella in some reptiles. Thanks again, Laura
Answer No the toads are not disease carriers. Salmonella is found in reptiles, and toads are amphibians. You are safe in that respect. As for the ladder, I didn't realize your window wells were that deep! Haha. It should be okay, but as an assurance thing, I'd put a board or such so they have an easier way out. But they had to get in somehow, and I'm confident they should be fine getting out on their own.
