Spring is almost here, and ’tis the season for studying wood frogs, who breed and lay their eggs this time of year in ponds and vernal pools. But after a winter of snow and ice, these bodies of water may hold harmful chemicals from road salt. Assistant Professor of Biology Steven Brady researches the effects of the road salt on wood frogs and finds that it causes them to become bloated, which hinders their ability to mate, escape from predators, and safely cross roads.
The New Haven Register covered Brady’s research in a recent article:
“Road salt could be cause of dangerous bloating in frogs, CT team says,” by Pam McLoughlin, March 14, 2022
The Wildlife Society also covered Brady’s research in a recent article:
“Road salt leads to bloated wood frogs,” by Joshua Rapp Learn, April 27, 2022
