Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi.

Is it likely that a Southern Toad would hibernate safely through the winter months
in the Northeastern U.S.? I'm just curious if a toad (say from Florida) that doesn't normally hibernate, would make this adjustment without a problenm.

Thanks very much.

jayhawk

Do you mean if it was released??

Ed

Hi Ed,

The question is hypothetical. I have always been curious about the ability (or inability) of amphibians from warm climates in the U.S. to adjust to long periods of cold. Would they have the instinct to hibernate, or would they die?

Thanks.

As I understand it, if they are from a region that does experience a temperature drop from which they take shelter and hibernate they will. However the difference usually lies in one of the following areas, either the depth they will go to avoid freezing (frost line) and/or the ability to tolerate freezing.

Ed