Bullfrog Rescue and Relocation Effort in the Poconos

Upon purchasing an abandoned foreclosure property on Primrose Drive in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania Doc Pawsitive, Clair Thompson, Leader of the Pack at PAWS/Pocono Animal Wellness Services made an interesting discovery! Not only had the previous owners simply abandoned the property, it had been years since they had performed any regular upkeep or maintenance of the inground swimming pool in the backyard! Without any care, the swimming pool had fallen into a state of disrepair; thus making it a sort of naturalized aquatic backyard habitat. Years of accumulated leaves, sticks and other detritus; combined with a decided lack of any chlorine or other chemicals had allowed the pool to attract a resident colony of breeding bullfrogs, scientific name Rana catesbiana. Dr Clair observed some exceptionally large, robust bullfrogs that appeared the size of small cats in the pool, as well as a lively population of smaller frogs and swimming tadpoles! Since the plan for the property includes a veterinary clinic, fenced-in off-leash dogpark, doggy daycare and conversion of the swimming pool into a puppy playpool, the resident bullfrogs had to be trapped and relocated to a more appropriate permanent home. Fortunately the same property includes a modest sized pond in front of the office, so the rescue/relocation effort should go smoothly, NOT!!! The bullfrogs liked the swimming pool and had no intention of moving despite Dr Clairs' insistence they'd be happier in a natural pond! Like most of us, the frogs were resistant to change, even if it is in our best interests! Attempts to capture the frogs were hilariously unsuccessful and Dr Clair managed to lose at least 1 pair of eyeglasses in the swimming pool. Eventually, the decision was made to use a pump to lower the water level in the swimming pool and take advantage of the approaching cold weather to slow down the metabolism and jumping/swimming/escape ability of the bullfrogs. With the water level down, the temperature down, and the frog speed down, Dr Clair sent his friend Jesse Kitchen wading into the ice-cold water with a fishing net to capture the sluggish amphibians for transport and relocation. Many of the frogs were quite large, though not very lively at 20degree air temperatures and for the most part, the frogs tolerated their move very well! Optimistically, next spring Dr Clair and the dogs playing at the Bark in the Park location will be entertained by a large family of large bullfrogs!?

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• American Bullfrog
• Rana catesbiana
• Doc Pawsitive
• Frogs
• Clair Thompson
• PAWS

[MellowYellow1800]

Definitely NOT dead, alive and thriving!!

[MellowYellow1800]

They are actually thriving in the new pond! This was so frigid cold when we relocated and filmed this video that they were in a sort of hibernation state, typical of amphibians in cold weather and cold water!

[ColdSideOfPillow136]

DEAD

[SupremeInkmarketing]

cool wait they look dead

[SupremeInkmarketing]

cool