Let Ontario Nature know if you’ve seen a frog or a snake

The Brampton Guardian,
By The Mississauga News,
April 14 2016

The warmer temperatures isn’t just about cleaning off the barbecue, or going for a stroll through a park.

Spring is also a time when many reptiles and amphibians come out to enjoy the weather.

Across the province, though, many of these creatures are at risk.

That’s why Ontario Nature, a charitable wild life protection organization, is asking citizen scientists of all ages to let them know if you spot a frog, toad, salamander and snake. It’s for the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.

Tracking the data since 2009, the Toronto-based organization uses the submitted information to map the locations where the creatures are seen.

According to the organization, 75 per cent of reptiles in Ontario and 22 per cent of amphibians are considered at risk.

Ontario Nature says the decline is due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution and being run-over by vehicles.

There are 24 species of reptiles in Ontario (snakes, turtles and even a lizard) as well as 23 species of amphibians (frogs, toads and salamanders).

Last year, more than 29,000 sightings were reported to Ontario Nature.

Visit ontarionature.org to learn more about becoming a citizen scientist.