AN EXOTIC visitor, discovered holidaying in a pond in Gunnislake, is seeking a more permanent home. The visitor, a Firebellied Toad, is originally from Asia, but the pond?s owners are at a loss what to do with him over the winter months. The owner, who did not wish to be identified, said: ?It?s obviously been someone?s pet and he?s escaped. A book described the toad as a great escapeologist, so we named him the Houdini of the toad world!. ?About five weeks ago he first turned up, but he could have been there longer. ?He spent two weeks croaking non-stop. We would open the windows in the morning and you could hear him, and when we shut them at night he would still be at it. ?We nicknamed him the ?love-sick toad? because he was calling the whole time, but we realised he was probably warding off other frogs and toads who wanted to use the pond.? It was a shock for the owners when they discovered him, especially as the pond was only completed in early summer, but at his current body-length of three centimetres, they could be forgiven for missing him. The Firebellied Toad is very distinct, with a green and black spotted back and an underside which is orangey-red with the same pattern on it. Despite the warning colour the toad is not poisonous, just slightly toxic, and then only if you rub your eyes or put fingers in your mouth after handling him. ?We?ve asked locally if anyone?s lost one, but they haven?t. It?s almost certain he wouldn?t survive winter because he doesn?t like the cold, that?s why he doesn?t come out on cold days. When we have hot weather he will come out, sit on a flower and sunbathe?. The little toad, is hoping to find a new home, where he can be looked after through the winter. If anyone is interested in the toad they should contact the Times, but as the owners pointed out: ?There is no certainty he will still be around, he may at any time, pack his bags and ?hop it?!?