CRITTERS OF NORTH IDAHO: Pacific tree frog

During North Idaho winters, the only wildlife you are likely to see are mammals, birds and (maybe) a few fish. Amphibians and reptiles are unable to be active during the winter because they are ectothermic, or “cold-blooded.” Now this doesn’t mean they literally have cold blood; the term actually means that their metabolism is dependent on the surrounding environment. If it’s cold outside, ectothermic animals are sluggish and largely immobile. When winter transitions into spring, cold-blooded animals are out and about in abundance, some in the mood for love.