wintertime for frogs and turtles

Posted by Lisa Vandenbeld on July 18, 2005

Q: Hello,

Could you tell me what happens to turtles and frogs in the winter time, in areas where the temperature drops below freezing?

Thanks,

Lisa

Habitat: pond/lake

State: British Columbia

Habitat: pond/lake

A: An excellent question. Turtles and frogs dig down into mud in the bottom of ponds, along stream banks, and even in the woods to get below or away from the frost line in areas that freeze. Different species have different tolerances for low temperatures and this probably explains why some species are not found very far north. The Wood Frog is an especially interesting frog in that it can be frozen solid and still survive! Take a look at our unit about this at www.enaturalist.org But most frogs, toads, and turtles never freeze because they overwinter in places that are above freezing. How they know where to go is a good question here and one I don't think anyone can answer. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( July 18, 2005)