B.C. Frogwatch Program

Safe Frogwatching

Of course, any time you are out in the countryside, you will want to take some basic precautions. We just want to remind you of a few of them!

• Never frogwatch alone, especially if you are some distance from a road. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
• Don't wade out into ponds or marshes - you will scare the frogs, and there is the risk that you may slip and fall into the water.
• Keep a close eye on your children.
• Make sure dogs are leashed - better still, leave them at home. They will frighten off the frogs as well.
• Have a first aid kit in the car, and a change of clothes just in case you do get wet.
• Watch for stinging insects such as wasps. Never step on logs or over them without looking, as you may put your foot straight into a wasp nest on the ground. This is not fun at all! If you have an allergy to stings, be absolutely sure you have your sting kit with you.
• If you are frogwatching on private land, ask permission from the landowner.
• For the safety of our froggy friends, don't pick up the amphibians you see. Their permeable skin can absorb toxins from your hands - even something like sunscreen can cause them real problems. Human skin is tougher than we think, and frog skin very fragile.

Photo © Heather Waye. No reproduction or distribution without permission.