Why did the toad cross the road? Because of the toad patrollers

The tailless amphibians have been seen up three weeks early some areas compared to previous years.

This is believed to be due to a run of mild temperatures and wet days in close succession. 

Every spring, thousands of toads leave their over-wintering hibernation sites and begin the journey back to their birthplace to reproduce.

February and March are key times for toads and tend to emerge after a spell of damp, mild weather. The become less active around October.

Their journeys can be a perilous with many animal rescuers and volunteers warning people to be on the look out.

Bardsea Bird Sanctuary recently warned that Brick Kiln Lane in Ulverston is where many toads are squished each season.

43-year-old Matt Carr is a lecturer at Kendal College but has also become a prominent 'toad patroller' operating two patrol groups in Silverdale and Stainton.

"We're basically lollipop ladies for toads," said Matt. "How we help the toads can vary. It depends on the area they're spotted and where they're trying to get back to.

"In Stainton, the toads tend to spawn at the end of the canal. Here, it's a case of putting them in buckets and taking them down to the canal.

"Other times it can simply be helping them to the other side of the road. 

"It can be quite funny picking them up. The smaller males can make a kind of squeaky noise. They can think it's another male trying to jump on their back - which they do to females.

"The noise is meant to be aggressive however it's really cute.

"It's quite sad when you find the larger females which have been killed and are full of eggs - it's another generation that have been wiped out.

"On a previous patrol, around 300 toads were found and over half of them were dead. They obviously evolved to ward off predators with poison in their glands, however they don't stand a chance against cars."

Despite their treacherous journeys, there is a lot that can be done to help by joining a local toad patrol group, putting out signs and staying vigilant. 

According to the Frog Life website, the first step is to find your nearest crossing.

Volunteers can patrol a stretch of road as much or as little as they like.

The premise is simple which is to collect the animals into a bucket and deliver them to the other side. 

It is always advised to wear gloves as this cuts down on disease risk.

Also, their skin is very permeable meaning natural salts on human skin can be harmful.

They do produce a toxin but this isn't particularly dangerous to humans, but can be to animals.

They're generally easy to handle and will sit in your hands nicely.

Matt added: "The best time patrol is around dusk - about the time when you need a torch. It's the time of year when people are commuting as the sun goes down.

"When the clocks go forward and the nights draw out, it's quieter and not as much patrolling is needed." 

There are currently active patrols at Broughton Beck, Milnthorpe and Sizergh with groups about to be formed in Ulverston and Barrow. 

For more information about toad patrolling, visit the Frog Life website.