The toadlets are smaller than a dime, making them nearly impossible to see by passing motorists.
Fraser Valley Conservancy officials are asking locals and visitors to avoid heading to Ryder Lake to view the annual Western toad migration, which is now underway, in order to avoid killing them.
“This year there are more concerns than ever, from maintaining safe social distancing for our staff and community members, to the potential to disrupt this important ecological event,” according to a recent post from FVC.
Western toadlets are easily startled, potentially causing them to waste crucial energy trying to flee. Luckily they are mostly using the special toad tunnel built for them by FVC and partners.
READ MORE: Tunnel touted for tiny toadlets
“We all find this mass migration event magical,” according to the FVC post, “and this is one of the things that makes the Fraser Valley such a fantastic and biodiverse place to live.
“Please, help the FVC help the toads: this summer don’t love the toads to death!”
They are asking folks to follow the detour route they’ve updated for the 2o2o migration.
“Sadly these toadlets are killed unintentionally by people trying to view the migration or not using the detour route. With increased traffic to the popular Elk Mountain trailhead, and people looking for new outdoor activities, road mortality for this year’s migrating toadlets may be worse than usual.”
Maps are available at the info sign at Ryder Lake Community board, 1.5 km up Elk View Road from the Bailey Road turnoff.
READ MORE: Take the detour to protect migrating toads
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