Frog kills reported

[Lee Borgersen]

Frog kills reported after spring ice-out

As the ice thaws across the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has received reports of dead frogs along the shoreline of several lakes and ponds. This is a natural occurrence, according to the DNR.

After ice-out there are often reports of dead frogs (winterkill), especially after winters with low water levels, like last winter. Northern leopard frogs are the species most susceptible to this phenomenon. The public is likely to see some turtle and fish winterkill in the next few weeks as well.

"Frogs may be relatively inactive barely move during the winter and can be vulnerable to low oxygen levels, particularly when they over-winter in a shallow bay that might be difficult to escape from," said Carol Hall, DNR herpetologist. "Fish, on the other hand, are able to swim to more oxygen-rich water, if it's available."

More information on frog and toad issues may be found on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/disease.html.

To report a frog kill event, submit the number of individual animals observed, the species observed (if known), and location (lake/pond and city/county) to nongame.dnr@state.mn.us. Photos of the site are also helpful.