Natterjack toad temporarily halts play at The Open

Per NationalClubGolfer.com, the Natterjack toad is a rare species that breeds in a few select locations in the UK, with Hoylake, the home of this year's Open, being one of those places. 

The United Kingdom's official government website says they are protected under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, which makes it illegal to "deliberately kill, injure, disturb, or capture them." So, officials let the toad live its best life on the 13th fairway. Live long and prosper, Natterjack toad. You deserve it.

Cameron Smith, unfazed by the toad—or perhaps inspired by it—recorded his first birdie of the day following the temporary delay.

If we could give an animal an MVP award, toads would absolutely get it for their past 12 months. TCU football rode the "Hypnotoad" all the way to the College Football Playoff final before its trip turned sour. The Hypnotoad originated on the animated sitcom "Futurama," which is returning on July 24. Perhaps it will make a comeback there, too.

Then, the video game character Toad appeared in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," the biggest U.S. box office hit of 2023. The Natterjack's appearance at The Open on Saturday continues the heater toads of all shapes and sizes have been on recently. Animal Kingdom, step up your game. 

Toads are running up the score.