Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: American Toad

Please remember to check your lawn before you mow!

Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

This beautiful American toad was hit by a lawnmower on Saturday and suffered injuries to the right wrist and right hind leg.

Patient 24-683 at intake.

Unfortunately, due to the level of trauma, the right hind leg required amputation at the level of the knee, which was performed once the patient was stabilized.

This patient is still eligible for release once recovered and will do just fine in the wild, even with one less leg to hop on!

This time of year we see species of all kinds come into care with injuries inflicted by mowers and weedwhackers. Luckily, injuries like this are preventable in many cases.

Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

Some people will sweep their lawn with a broom to flush out any animals that may be hiding (also a great way to find and protect a bunny nest). You can also enlist a child, partner, or friend to keep you company while you mow by walking a few feet ahead and checking for wildlife as they go!

Or, if you are looking for an alternative to a turf grass lawn, consider replacing some or all of it with native plants! Traditional lawns provide little functional space for wildlife, use excessive water, and often introduce fertilizers and pesticides that damage our environment.

Reducing the need to mow and creating beautiful and healthy habitat for native wildlife is a win-win!

Native pollinator garden at BRWC. @BRWC 2022-2023

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.