SHANGHAI DAILY (China) 28 May 08 Toads' behavior sparks panic (Yang Jian)
Thousands of toads were found behaving "abnormally" in both Chongqing and southern China's Shenzhen, sparking widespread panic among residents because the same phenomenon occurred in Mianzhu City shortly before the earthquake struck Sichuan Province on May 12.
However, seismologists said it was a natural phenomenon and that the toads were simply seeking a better habitat.
People in Wanzu Township of Chongqing's Pengshui County found thousands of immature toads crawling along the bank of the Wujiang River on Friday, the municipality's official Website said. The Chongqing Seismological Bureau sent experts, who said it was only "one of the life habits of toads," the report added.
A hydropower station was recently built in the area, which became a good place for toads to reproduce, causing their numbers to rise sharply. Once tadpoles develop into toads, they move out of the water to live, said the experts.
Meanwhile, in Shenzhen City of Guangdong Province, thousands of toads moved onto streets and near residence buildings around Zhuguangnan Road, a local newspaper said yesterday.
The toads were the size of a thumb, and street sweepers said they began to appear after it rained on May 20.
The city's seismological bureau received numerous calls from residents. Some people even called the police.
The Shenzhen Seismological Bureau also said it was just normal behavior and there was no danger of an earthquake.
Toads' behavior sparks panic