What do frogs and turtles do in the winter?

turtles
Michaela R asked:

Where do frogs and turtles go in the winter? Underground? How do they breathe? If anyone knows let me know. I was just thinking about it, since I live in Indiana and it’s getting cold out.

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3 Responses to 'What do frogs and turtles do in the winter?'

  1. the gurl in socks - February 22nd, 2010 at 5:26 am

    they hibernate… yes, often underground, in the mud or in nooks and crannies in old logs. The cold slows their system down so much, that their heart beats very slowly, and their breathing slows.

  2. SAD - February 23rd, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    There is no 1 answer, there are many. Most toads burrow underground and are able to breath through the dirt. Some toads form a foamy cocoon that hardens creating an air pocket. Frogs normally burrow in at the bottom of a pond or other water source. Their body systems slow down and can survive for long periods of time without food and fresh air. Some frogs even live out dry spells in rock hard dirt until the rainy season softens the mud and releases them. Turtles and tortoises operate much the same way. Some turtles hibernate while others surface so infrequently that you may never see them anyway. Tortoises live on the land and often burrow to hibernate. All this really depends on the region though. In tropical regions frogs, toads, turtles and tortoises do not hibernate unless there is a prolonged dry season as for-mentioned. There is tons of info out there about amphibians. Look up key word “herpetology” which is the study of amphibians.

  3. Ajaxnl - February 24th, 2010 at 6:20 am

    they BRUMATE…..
    depending on what kind of turtle it is
    if its cold enough a box turtle will burrow and live underground til its warm
    a water turtle will go to the bottom of a pond, dig themselves into the mud and stay there
    since the body slows down, they dont need much oxygen and breathe through special skin cells in their “tail” area


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