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Frog Wranglers

Michael Ameigh, WRVO

On a hot, humid evening in July, 2013, a group of volunteers descended on an autumnal pool on the grounds of SUNY Oswego's Rice Creek Biological Field Station to collect frog specimens with SUNY Oswego Biological Sciences professor Jennifer Olori.  Pestered by swarms of mosquitoes and serenaded by songbirds including an elusive Wood Thrush, the group captured bullfrogs, green frogs and peepers for observation including taking weight and size measurements, determining gender, and collecting skin swabs and toe clippings (harmless to the frog as toes quickly regenerate) for laboratory analysis.

The entire procedure was conducted under a set of strict protocols designed to prevent contamination of lab samples and to provide for the safety and well-being of frogs which were quickly released back into the pond.

Credit Michael Ameigh, WRVO
SUNY Oswego biology students join professor Jennifer Olori to collect frogs for scientific analysis.

Credit Michael Ameigh, WRVO
Male Green Frog being swabbed for laboratory analysis.

Credit Michael Ameigh, WRVO
As night falls, head lamps and spotlights come out as the search for frogs continues.