Are Pesticides Causing Frog Deformities?
In 1995, authorities became aware of deformed frogs being found in various localities in southern Minnesota. In 1996, deformed frogs were found in 54 Minnesota counties. Originally, there had been a single report of deformed frogs in 1993. Subsequently, there have been similar reports from Vermont and Quebec. These deformities usually consist of missing or malformed hind legs or the presence of additional hind legs. Less commonly, one eye may be absent. Within the last 10 years, abnormalities have been reported in 36 species of amphibians in 42 states. Worldwide, there appears to be a drop in the number of amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders). Because amphibians have very porous skin, it’s thought that they may be more susceptible to chemicals in the environment than many other animals. With larval amphibians (tadpoles) living in the water and the adults being exposed to the air, it is thought that contaminating chemicals in either environment may affect amphibians. Pesticides have b
