It was about 40°F when I left home in Arkansas yesterday morning. By the time I reached Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, the temperature had dropped into the upper 30s. I was hoping the wildlife would be active in the cold, and I wasn’t disappointed.
To my surprise, I spotted several Bullfrogs in cold weather, their heads poking through the duckweed in a quiet pool near the 4-Corners area. Seeing them out in such chilly water was unexpected but fascinating.
Wildlife Notes: Bullfrogs in Cold Weather at Sequoyah Refuge
Bullfrogs usually become sluggish when temperatures drop below 59°F. As the season cools, they prepare for hibernation underwater in ponds or lakes. They rest just above or partly in the mud where they can still absorb oxygen through their skin.
Their metabolism slows dramatically during this period, allowing them to go months without food. If a frog surfaces too early during a short warm spell, it risks freezing when the cold returns.
Spotting them this morning in the high 30s was a surprise. They stayed mostly motionless, eyes and nostrils above the duckweed. For comparison, see my earlier post of a Bullfrog partially submerged in water during warmer weather.
Photography Notes
I photographed these frogs using a Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 200–800mm F6.3–9 IS USM lens.
Settings:
- Aperture: ƒ/9
- Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec
- ISO: 400–640
- Focal Length: 800mm
- Exposure Compensation: 0
The morning light was soft and even, helping the greens of the water plants and the frog’s skin stand out. I shot from my vehicle using a beanbag for support.
Reflections on Sequoyah Refuge’s Cold-Weather Wildlife
Even on chilly mornings, Sequoyah Refuge offers surprises. Watching Bullfrogs in cold weather reminded me how adaptable wildlife can be when conditions shift.