released

Well.... after a little research this week, we learned this: "In nature, larger tadpoles in crowded conditions produce growth inhibitors in their droppings which when eaten by other tadpoles, stunt their growth".

This could very well explain their recent cessation of growth... it is possibly just what I had suspected. Overpopulation! We had too many tadpoles in our 10 gallon aquarium.

So today, H and I brought about 60 tadpoles back to their origins (where we got the eggs from) to be released. Which was fine because we never intended to grow this many into frogs!

There they go, into the lake where their mama (possibly) still resides. It has warmed up dramatically since a couple of months ago when we collected the eggs. It almost felt icy back then!

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While there, one of the first things we spotted was this slithery guy. He was really big! I have looked him up and I think he's either a brown newt or a Pacific Giant Salamander. He didn't have any markings from what I could see through the murky lake sediment, so I remain unsure. Hopefully most of our little tadpoles will be able to dodge him if he happens to think they look like a good snack!


A view of the lake about 15 minutes from town. It's quite serene there, beautiful natural surroundings with no city noise, just the wind, birds and other critters chirping and calling.

H was quite happy to see her "babies" go to their home, knowing we've kept a few behind at our home to hopefully watch grow into frogs now with all the space and food they need!