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Amplexus, Photo by Scott Egan
Wood frogs in amplexus
Photo: © Scott Egan

Some frogs live high on mountain slopes or in the frigid North. During winter, a frog's body temperature falls and its metabolism drops—the heart may even stop beating. Many frogs dig into mud or deep holes to escape killing frost, but some practice controlled freezing. They produce excess sugars or starches to prevent damage to sensitive tissues while the remaining water in their bodies turns to ice. The North American wood frog can survive with 65% of the water in its body frozen!

The North American wood frog ranges well into the Alaskan tundra, inside the Arctic Circle.

Wood frogs are able to withstand sub-zero temperatures for extended periods during hibernation. They emerge early in the spring to breed in newly thawed pools and ditches.

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