Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 6 fire belly toads that I have had for nearly 3 years. I love them and take very good care of them but I know they would be much happier in a big pond somewhere. I know it's unlikely but can you set Fire Belly toads free? I would never want to endanger any other animals and that is my concern. I had a turtle when I was a kid and I set him free about 5 years after I had him and he seemed so happy.

I know that the answer to this will probably be "no" but I wanted to see if anyone else has done this.

Thanks

>>I have 6 fire belly toads that I have had for nearly 3 years. I love them and take very good care of them but I know they would be much happier in a big pond somewhere. I know it's unlikely but can you set Fire Belly toads free? I would never want to endanger any other animals and that is my concern. I had a turtle when I was a kid and I set him free about 5 years after I had him and he seemed so happy.
>>
>>I know that the answer to this will probably be "no" but I wanted to see if anyone else has done this.
>>
>>Thanks

The answer is a flat out no. It's actually very much against the law to release any non-native/exotic/pet into the wild.
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PHWyvern

Got it. I knew it was illegal but I really feel bad for them. I truly want to do what is best for them and I know they would be happier on their own. Oh well.

Thanks for your help.

aside from being illegal to release them, realize that firebelly toads are from europe and asia and live in climates and habitats that differ greatly form that of the USA. they are also highly toxic to other species of amphibians, small reptiles, birds, fish and other wildlife that may come in contact with them or attempt to eat them. you would be putting local wildlife in danger by releasing such a species into their enviroment, and depending on where you live, the toads would probly not be able to survive most climates and predators. once they were removed from the wild and sold to you, you became responsible for their proper care, which is not releasing them into a foreign enviroment.

Not to mention that I read releasing domesticated pets back into the wild after any period of time past two weeks makes it extremely dangerous for the pet, as it's gotten used to not having to do as much to survive as it would in the wild.

no way, never set anything captive bred out into the wild. think about it, could they live out there, are they native to that area. they have no immunity to the bacteria and would probally die within a week. not to mention it's illegal.