Urban Survival Stories: Jabba the Toad

When people build new homes, sidewalks and roads, this often creates real difficulties for living things. As human living space expands, more and more types of animals must either adapt to the changes or be pushed out of their homes.

One example is a resilient little toad who has defied the odds! Confronted with construction in her natural habitat, this toad found a handy hideout nearby in a neighbor’s garage. Neighbor Sita Hood first noticed the critter when she went to slip on her running shoes ! She named her little friend Jabba the Toad for her uncanny resemblance to the "Star Wars" movie character, Jabba the Hutt

(See picture; OK not too pretty, but he sure is cute!).

At first, it appeared to be a fluke and Sita assumed the toad would hop away over the next day or two. However, Jabba ended up staying the entire summer before going somewhere else to hibernate. It was a cute story, but the shoes’ owner was in for a big surprise when Jabba returned the following spring and jumped back into her old shoe! Sita says it’s no longer her shoe anymore but Jabba’s home.

She even made a sign for Jabba, so people wouldn’t accidentally dump her out. “Donating my shoe was no big deal,” she said, “If it gives her comfort or protection, why not?”

There is no doubt that Jabba’s ability to adapt is impressive! The courage of little Jabba the Toad is inspiring for all of us!

By Christine Maher

Source: The Dodo