In winter, spring peepers don't care if it rains or snows. They are dead. At least, they appear to be dead, but they're actually asleep.


Their body produces an antifreeze-like chemical that allows them to freeze solid during the winter and thaw out in the spring.

Fingers are crossed that the weather will be warm enough to find them thawed at the Pocono Environmental Education Center's Spring Peeper Search Saturday.

"My favorite thing about spring peepers is that they are often called the harbingers of spring," said Molly Check, PEEC naturalist and public programs manager. "Although there are many plants and animals that mark the change in seasons, the spring peepers are the most endearing with their loud chorus of peeps, trills and whistles."

While warm spring days followed by a week of freezing weather can drive people mad, spring peepers simply take these changes in stride.

"When we have a few days of warmer weather," Check said, "I hear a couple peeps from thawing frogs in our swamp. When the temperature drops again, the frogs simply refreeze with no harm done to their physical bodies. As the warm temperatures are sustained, the frogs completely thaw out and begin their breeding cycle."

They gather around vernal pools and swampy areas. The peepers have sticky toe pads for climbing trees and bushes. Instead of diving right into the water, they climb the trees and set off an impressive quadraphonic chorus. The more frogs that are in any areas, the louder the males' call to draw a mate.

After the female has picked out her beau, the two move into the water. She can lay up to 1,000 eggs for the male to fertilize. The eggs hatch into tadpoles within six to 12 days. The tadpoles mature into adult frogs in 45-90 days — usually by July.

"To catch a frog, we approach the pond near dusk," Check said. "At first we just stand still. With so many frogs peeping, it's hard to know where the sound is coming from. They may be in small shrubs or tall grass. After a while, it is easier to identify the different sounds. The frogs just sit still when we shine a flashlight on them. This makes them easier to catch.

"During the search for peepers, everyone will get a chance to carefully catch one and examine it up close. When everyone's curiosity is satisfied, the frogs will be released in the same area in which they were found.

"We will be walking in swampy areas and vernal pools around the peak. In addition to a sweater and flashlight, participants should wear old clothes and rubber boots or shoes they don't mind getting wet.

"All plants and animals have unique adaptations that help them survive, and the spring peepers are no exception. They have adapted to their cold northern climate by developing the ability to freeze solid for the winter and thaw out in the spring. From their sticky toe pads and webbed feet to their swamp-colored camouflage, these tiny tree frogs are a natural treasure that we all enjoy."