Lots of Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus)

Observation: Spotted half a dozen wood frogs crossing Roland Road, Fairbanks. Those that were run over by cars were females loaded with eggs. They are heading to marshes across the road towards Spotted Seal Lane. There the calls arise from a large population. This site was surveyed by me last year between mid-May and end of August but I never heard that many frogs in 2016.

LEO says: Wood frogs: (Lithobates sylvaticus or Rana sylvatica) have been the subject of some interesting observations in LEO Network, including a re- emergence of wood frogs in September 2016 in Tatitlek.

Resources:

The Alaska Herpetological Society – "This species is widespread throughout northern North America and the only amphibian found north of the Arctic Circle. It has been documented on the mainland of Southeast Alaska and throughout Central Alaska to at least Anaktuvuk Pass at the crest of the Brooks Range (sightings of frogs farther north and east on the North Slope have yet to be validated), westward to the Kobuk River Valley, and southward to the base of the Alaska Peninsula, but is apparently absent from Prince William Sound." Information cited: www.alaskaherps.info / S. O. MacDonald

The Alaska Herpetological Society – Amphibian Essentials, Everything You Need to Know to Help Protect Alaska's Amphibians, "It is usually best to not handle the amphibians you find and just to leave them where they are. If you must pick them up however, you should be aware that their skin is delicate and permeable. Make sure that you have clean hands when you pick them up – this means no bug spray and no sunscreen! Put them down gently after you have held them in the exact location that you found them!" For more interesting facts about amphibian's, checkout the AHS link provided above.

Alaska Department of Fish & Game – Frogs and Toads. "Get involved in our Citizen Science wood frog program by participating in a wood frog survey, reporting your wood frog observation, or requesting an educational presentation." Source: Wood Frog Monitoring Program

Media:

Alaska Fish & Wildlife News – Toads and Frogs in Trouble, "Frogs and toads are turning up in Alaska with shrunken hind legs, malformed lower jaws and the occasional extra limb, and biologists want to know why." By Riley Woodford, ADF&G (March 2006)

Alaska Fish & Wildlife News – Scientists Eye Alaska's Amphibians, "About 50 scientists recently gathered in Juneau to discuss issues facing Alaska’s amphibians, including the decline of Alaska’s toads and frogs. The First Statewide Conference on Alaska’s Amphibians, from March 30 to April 1, brought scientists together to coordinate research efforts and to share their knowledge about frogs, salamanders and toads in Alaska." By Riley Woodford, ADF&G (June 2004)