Amphibians in Autumn
Fall is a time when the sounds of nature steadily decline. Most people notice the lack of bird songs, but do not notice that frogs, toads and other amphibians also stop their loud, unusual calling at night. Like many other animals, frogs and toads slow down as the weather gets colder. For winter protection, amphibians crawl into underground burrows. They may dig burrows themselves or take advantage of empty burrows dug by other animals. During dry and hot times of the year, this same behavior is used to avoid the heat. During spring, mating calls of frogs and toads fill the air once more. Some amphibians, like the Bullfrog, can even call to each other underwater! Breeding and calling most often takes place immediately following large rain storms, which replenish the water sources that sustain eggs, tadpoles, and adults. Many frogs and toads also have special defense calls. The Bullfrog, for example, emits a high-pitched screech when it has been picked up or bitten!
Viewer Tip: To attract amphibious wildlife to your landscape, avoid using pesticides which can harm frogs and toads, as well as the insects that amphibians need for food. A pond or water garden will also attract amphibians.
This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.
Season: Fall
(Source: M. Dorcas and W. Gibbons, Frogs and Toads of the Southeast, Athens: UGA Press, 2008)
