frog apocalypse - newts thriving

[NJ100]

I saw a few posts about frozen ponds/the long winter and frog deaths.

seems to be quite common this year, my pond being no exception. Ive been scooping out dead frogs from my pond all week. They must have been hibernating in the plants/mud at the bottom - and after a bit of investigating I unfortunately discovered around 15 rotten adults at the bottom. Not seen 1 live one yet and we usually have spawn now in bucketloads.

Initially i was gutted- thinking that everything may have perished. however today i looked in and saw more newts than ive ever seen in there - and they were very alive.

very sad for the frogs but maybe its the newts year?

Do newts hibernate outside of the pond? I wasnt sure. They obviously had better luck this year in my garden.

[Dogghound]

Yes newts hibernate outside of water. Fortunately they are not affected by frozen ponds.