Posted by Deb Schirer on October 16, 2007

Q: We have a shallow pond. This summer we have had 4 large bullfrogs come to the pond and stay. It is the middle of October and now warm. The first part of

Sept. it was in the 30 and 40 degree range and we thought the frogs had hopped away. Well mid Oct. it is now in the 70's and the frogs that were hibernating are now awake. My question is if we bring the pond into out basement and fill it with sand or mud and rocks will the frogs hibernate and be okay in the basement? We have some wire to cover the top in case they try to hibernate.If they don't hibernate will we have to feed them?

We have not fed them all summer I guess they ate mosquitoes and bugs. If we leave the shallow pond outdoors all winter it will freeze and break. I have looked on the internet and cannot find an

answer to this question. Any info you can give me will be great. Thank you.

State: Illinois

A: The worst thing you can do is bring the pool into your home and expect the frogs to hibernate there. The frogs are "programmed" to hibernate over the winter and by keeping the pond too warm, the frogs will not properly go into hibernation mode and die of starvation. If their metabolism doesn't drop low enough, they'll burn too many calories over the winter and starve before spring returns. Although it may seem strange, the wintertime cessation of eating is an important component of their life history but this has to be coupled with cold temperatures.

The best advice I can give you is to think "naturally". The frogs need to experience the winter in as natural a way as possible. If you can't leave the pond outside because of freezing breakage, then I'd remove most of the water now, while it's still reasonably warm, and the frogs can go elsewhere to hibernate. They need to find a place that won't freeze but will allow them to remain close to freezing over the winter. In the spring, you can refill the pond and there's a good chance the frogs will return. Hope this helps you out. Feel free to get back to me if you have further questions.

John Wiessinger ( October 17, 2007)