In Canada, frogs and turtles begin to ready themselves for hibernation anytime from late September to late November (depending on fall temperatures). The habitat that these animals choose as an overwintering site varies according to species and climate conditions.

Typically, aquatic frogs (e.g. leopard frogs, bullfrogs, etc.) hibernate underwater in deep ponds, lakes and streams where they stay hidden behind logs and other debris to remain safe from predators. Terrestrial frogs (e.g. American toads, wood frogs, etc.) prefer to hibernate on land buried underneath leaf litter or wedged in the crevice of a log or a rock.

Most turtle species native to Ontario overwinter in deep ponds and stream banks where they either bury themselves into the mud or stay protected in sheltered areas. Some turtle species prefer to hibernate in slow-moving wetlands that freeze over entirely (e.g. painted turtle) whereas others prefer faster-moving waters (e.g. wood turtle). Occasionally, turtles even use muskrat burrows or beaver lodges as warm winter havens!

A common misconception is that frogs like to spend the winter the same way turtles do, buried in the mud at the bottom of a pond or stream. However, unlike turtles, hibernating frogs need a rich supply of oxygen to maintain physiological functions, so they often spend their time resting on top of the mud, or even swimming around occasionally if they are under water!

Most frogs and turtles will emerge again in late March to early April, just in time for mating to begin.