NORTH SOMERSET TIMES (Weston-super-Mare, UK) 07 December 05 Road closed - toads in love
Amorous amphibians in Clevedon are on the toad to true love.
Frisky frogs in the seaside town will be able to get loved up without the worry of being squashed - after highways chiefs agreed to close a road for three months during the mating season.
The closure will see Nortons Wood Lane shut from January to March to allow the horny toads to make their way down from the woods and across the road to the fields and rhynes for some love action.
Often, the male toads hop on the back of their larger, lady counterparts to make the journey to the mating fields.
Toad patrol co-ordinator Andrew Town said: "We want to reduce the amount of toad road kill.
"Each year about 1,000 toads come down from the woods to mate in the rhynes.
"Toads are not particularly nimble on their feet and tend to move quite slowly so are at risk of being hit by a car.
"Toads only mate once a year and go out after dusk, when it is warm and mild, so it would be in the evenings where they are most at risk."
Local councillors say they are keen to help keep the toads hoppy.
Clevedon councillor John Norton-Sealey said: "I am sure the council would not want to stand in the way of Mother Nature."
In the past, special toad patrols have been set up by volunteers to help the creatures cross the road.
North Somerset Council spokesman Zoe Briffitt said: "We have held discussions with the highways department and ecologists and have decided to introduce an advisory road closure.
"There will be signs advising people of this and asking motorists to find an alternative route."
Road closed - toads in love