WAYNESBORO, VA (Wildlife Center of Virginia) — On January 17, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted an Eastern American Toad after it was accidentally struck with a shovel in Albemarle County. The toad’s rescuer quickly realized the small amphibian was injured and immediately transported him to the Center for care.

Eastern American Toads are common throughout Virginia and are often found in backyards, gardens, and wooded areas. Though small and unassuming, these amphibians play an important ecological role by consuming large numbers of insects. During the colder months, toads enter a state of brumation—similar to hibernation—burying themselves beneath soil or leaf litter until temperatures warm in the spring.

Upon admission, the veterinary team examined the toad and discovered a laceration along the underside of his left jaw. Radiographs did not reveal any fractures or additional injuries. That same day, veterinary intern Dr. Zack sedated the toad for surgery, carefully flushed the wound, and sutured it closed.

Photo: Wildlife Center of Virginia

“The wound wasn’t very big to us, but for such a small toad, it was a fairly significant injury,” said Dr. Zack. “The hardest part about operating on an animal this small is making sure you’re not damaging anything else in the process. When placing sutures, I had to be extremely careful.”

Following the procedure, the veterinary team started the toad on a course of pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics to support healing. He was placed in the Center’s reptile room in a carefully controlled enclosure to rest and recover.

Several days later, staff observed blood inside one of the toad’s eyes—a condition known as hyphema—likely associated with the trauma from admission. The team treated the eye with medicated drops, and the issue has since resolved. Over the following weeks, the incision site continued to improve and ultimately healed without complications.

Because toads in Virginia brumate during the winter, this patient cannot be returned to the wild until spring. For now, he will remain at the Center in a specialized enclosure designed to meet his specific environmental needs and will continue receiving supportive care until temperatures are warm enough for release.

Accidental injuries like this toad’s are not uncommon during yard work and landscaping projects. Before digging or turning over soil, consider checking the area for wildlife that may be sheltering beneath the surface—particularly during colder months when amphibians and reptiles may be hidden from view. If you accidentally injure a wild animal, contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. The Wildlife Center’s phone line is monitored daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an after-hours emergency line available.