Do Toads Hibernate?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 05, 2023

Toads, like other frogs, hibernate in the winter. It is their common response to temperate and cold weather. Toads are frequently seen in the fall while they search for a secure place to hibernate for the winter.

Common toads overwinter under a deep litter of fallen leaves, in dead logs, or in drainpipes and burrows. They avoid exposure to the cold air during this time. After they are settled and secured in their hibernation space, their metabolism gradually slows down, allowing their bodies to use their stored energy to survive the winter. The toad awakens in the spring and starts another cycle of breeding and feeding.