Winter Is Coming (c) (original photos)

Summer is over, it became much colder, and the frogs began to look for a quiet place to spend the winter. Frogs are amphibians, i.e. they can live in any environment — in the water and on the ground.

Still, some species prefer water, in the cold weather burrowing into the mud. They do not suffer from a shortage of oxygen, because they breathe through the skin exclusively in winter, and for this purpose they have enough oxygen, which is available in the water.

Ground frogs try to hide in crevices and under rocks. Some even dig holes with the help of build-up on their feet and spend the winter there.

Hibernation may last up to 8 months, so frogs sleep deeply and for a long time. In the winter months, they lie motionless in their shelters, while in deep sleep. In this state, all vital processes in the body slows down, almost stops. The temperature in their dwelling may be reduced to sub-zero levels.

Interesting fact - they may be almost completely frozen, but stay alive. They do not freeze finally because of the carbohydrates in the blood and tissues. After warming they wake up and begin returning to their normal life following the nature.

Photo by Denis Ulyankin ( @sharker )