I live in Northeast Florida and came across an albino American toad living under a deck. Can anyone tell me how rare it is to run across these in the wild vs. being captive bred. I am an avid snake enthuisast and know that the care for toads is quite different than care for a snake. Does anyone have any advice?

If he is living under your deck, i would leave it there. Its probably nice and cool and lots of worms and critters for him to eat. Damp too. He is a nice neighbor to have.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Thanks for the input. My only concern is that we live near a swamp with various animals that would prey on him because he obviously does not blend well into his surroundings. But, I'll give it a go. Thanks so much for your advice.

It is quite uncommon for an albino to survive in the wild, precisely for the reason that you stated. I am not that versed on amphibians but there are others here that may be able to give you some input.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Toads are relatively easy to care for and most wild caught ones adapt quite well to captivity. Your concern is extremely valid, they are rare in the wild for the reason they do not have there natural camo and are easy prey. I am a firm believer in leaving wild animals in there natural habitat,,,but in this case I think I would keep him, his survival rate in the wild is extremely reduced as an albino.

best of luck

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

yup, if you do decide to keep him, we can help you on a proper enclosure.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

As mentioned, albinos are rare in the wild in any species, but an albino toad would be especially rare because they are preyed upon by so many other species. I'd be tempted to keep him just for the rarity factor, but as also mentioned, you may be doing him a favor if you catch him. He stands out like a beacon being an albino. The only reason he's probably alive today is the fact that he's nocturnal. I would love to see pictures of him if you can get any!

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"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield

Thanks for the input, we did consider leaving him in the wild. I just didn't think it was a good idea. We are trying to contact our local Zoo to see if they would be interested in having him. He is such a beautiful creature, I would hate to know that we were the only ones enjoying him. Why not let everyone appreciate his strange and unusual beauty. Any ideas??

If not a zoo, are there any parks with nature centers near you? Or maybe your library or local school would like to display him and care for him, to help educate kids...

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Amy

If you'd prefer to donate him in such a manor, just make sure whomever you give him to knows what they're doing and has the appropriate facilities. You'd be surprised, but just because it's a zoo doesn't mean they're good at taking care of animals. Some zoos are better than others. As long as he's going to a good home, that's all that really matters.

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+5 bonus points to whoever finds me a job!

"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield