Where Do Toads Go in the Winter?

Toads in cold regions hibernate in the winter. They dig deep down into loose soil, which insulates them from freezing temperatures. You can offer toads a safe and comfortable winter retreat by constructing a hibernaculum (place to hibernate).

How deep do toads dig to hibernate?

They will burrow anywhere from 6 inches to over 3 feet deep. American toads cannot freeze and survive, so they need to stay below the frost line all winter. They tend to stay within a couple of inches of the frost line and will move up and down throughout the winter as the frost line changes.

Where do toads hide during the day?

During the day American toads hide under rocks or logs or dig into dead leaves and soil. In regions with a cold winter, American toads dig deeper to hibernate. When digging they back in, pushing out dirt with their back legs.