What do Amphibians and Reptiles do in Winter?
AMPHIBIANS IN WINTER
Our amphibians live through winter in three different ways. When you read about each kind you will learn how it survives through winter.
Underwater
Some frogs and salamanders, and some tadpoles, spend winter on the bottom of lakes, rivers or deep ponds. They must stay somewhere where the water does not freeze to the bottom. In the cold water they sit still and sleep through winter. They do not have to breathe air. They get oxygen through their skin under the water.
Underground
Toads and some salamanders spend winter on land. They must burrow deep into soft ground or go down into holes in the ground. They must go deeper than the frost can reach. They sleep in the cold ground all winter, but if the ground where they are sleeping freezes they will die.
A frozen Wood Frog.
Frozen Alive
Some kinds of frogs and treefrogs spend winter on land, but they don't go deep underground. In late fall they crawl under logs, leaves or thick grass and lie still. Their bodies can freeze solid, but they are still alive! When it gets cold their bodies make lots of sugar that acts like anti-freeze (just like in a car). In spring they thaw out and hop away.
REPTILES IN WINTER!
Our reptiles spend winter in two different ways. When you read about each kind you will learn which way it uses to get through winter.
Underwater
Adult turtles spend winter on the bottom of lakes, ponds or rivers. The water must be deep enough so it will not freeze to the bottom. They do not have to breathe air. They get oxygen through their skin under the ice.
Snakes coming out of their winter den.
Underground
Baby Painted Turtles hatch out of their eggs in autumn, but stay in their nest in the ground over winter and can survive being frozen. They leave their nest in the spring.
Snakes and lizards spend winter underground in burrows or caves. They must go below where frost can reach. They cannot survive being frozen.
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