How to locate a toad?

[NYCstuntgirl]

Hi everyone! I am new to the forum and posting for the first time.

I live in NYC Manhattan and have a little private garden. I brought a bunch of plants and landscaping stones and stuff home from a trip to the country and while unpacking them found a little American toad stowaway. I read up on how to make my garden a safe, healthy toad habitat (it's totally chemical free with toad houses and a chlorine-free toad pond--the works!). He's been doing really well, it's been about 2 months and he's more than doubled in size and is great at keeping the bug & slug population under control.

He's good at hiding out but I usually see him at least once or twice a week. Now I haven't seen him in a couple weeks and I'm a little worried. Is there any way to tell if he's been around? Any signs i can look for? I've tried spreading potting soil around and looking for tracks, but it was hard to tell if the marks I saw were him or birds or some other creature. If you have any bright ideas please share. I'll rest easier knowing the little guy is safe!

[nicodimus22]

Well, if it's an American Toad, they are nocturnal, so you'd be much more likely to see it at night. Toads love a good soak, so I would check your pond after dark. (If the pond is deeper than the toad's shoulders, it may not use it much, since they like to sit in water, not swim in it.) It may have just buried itself, as toads love to do. It's too early for it to be hibernating, but even so, they often spend the daytime buried.

[BG]

That is so kewl ,Is the garden on the ground or its up in the roof top,If its on the ground you have to watch out for cats or rats ,If its on the roof you got to watch out for birds of prey ,I hope im wrong but look for him early in the morning when its kooler or at night with a light.Good luck and keep up the good work.