“Herp” is the common abbreviated name, given by those who study them, to reptiles and amphibians. Herpetologists have gained much knowledge of these creatures by observing them in their natural habitats. Such research has given biologists a greater understanding of how to better protect and manage this important element of our complex ecosystem. These “lowly” critters are often one of the first populations looked at when assessing the health and well being of our watersheds.

VSN was contacted this past spring with a member question wondering what may have influenced local frog numbers to decline in their pond and adjacent wetlands. What would cause a previously healthy population of spring peepers and green frogs to virtually be non-existent the following spring? Bob Hay, a DNR Herp specialist, offered one explanation, “A lack of snow coverage over much of the state, coupled with bitter cold temperatures, may have caused significant numbers of frogs and turtles to freeze to death. Along with the possible deep ice penetration, we were coming off an unusually dry late summer and fall season, which coupled with cold temperatures may have contributed to a condition referred to as ‘freeze drying’.”

While we bundle up, throw another log on the fire, or head for warmer climates, herps settle into underground hibernation. They are completely dependent on their surrounding habitat and the cooperation of all the seasonal weather factors for their protection and survival. Bob adds, “In a normal winter, several species of frogs literally freeze solid. Glycol-like anti-freeze, produced by the frogs just prior to freezing, usually is enough to protect them.” These small creatures stop breathing and have no detectable heartbeat until they begin to thaw the following spring. What an amazing natural phenomenon unfolding right under our feet! Bob also suggests that turtles may even suffer a more agonizing result from these same conditions. “Many turtles survive the freezing conditions only to emerge with their extremities frostbitten. When they emerge and begin to sun themselves in an attempt to heal, infections often develop which usually are fatal.” People are often heard to complain about snowy winter weather, but as these scenarios point out, it may be a matter of life or death for these creatures.

The Vernon County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) is doing a streambank stabilization project now on Bishop Branch Creek that includes a herptile habitat element. VSN has played a supportive role in the collaborative project. Using grants from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the DNR and other funding secured by Jeff Hastings, the work includes stream bank stabilization, beaver dam removal, in-stream trout habitat structures, and a Herp hibernaculum (place for hibernating). Paul Krahn of the LWCD worked with Bob Hay to design the hibernaculum into the streambank along with trout habitat structures. The design involves the layering of different size rock, which is then covered with a geo-textile fabric, which keeps silt from filling in the hibernaculum chamber. PVC pipe will be inserted into these structures allowing access to temperature loggers placed inside. This will allow for year round temperature monitoring of the habitat. We are thankful for those who work to preserve and protect the often overlooked Herps.