Common Frogs are ‘ectothermic’ which means they can’t regulate their own body temperature, but have to rely on their surrounding environments to keep their bodies warm. However, Common Frogs can survive temperatures as low as six degrees Celsius. They can do this by producing a natural anti-freeze that stops them from freezing.

Although Common Frogs can survive in low temperatures, they still like to emerge from their hiding places every now and again to bask in the sun. Sometimes they bask directly in the sun with their legs stretched out and sometimes they lie on rocks or on other objects that have been previously warmed up by the sun. By basking in the sun Common Frogs can perform their normal daily activities much better.

Common Frogs hibernate during the cold winter months. They either hibernate at the bottom of ponds in mud or under decaying leaves. They can breathe through their skins which means they can hibernate under water. Sometimes Common Frogs can be seen moving under ice that has formed on the top of water. Common Frogs also hibernate in compost heaps, under stones or under logs on land. They emerge from hibernation around February and March.

As soon as a male Common Frog emerges from hibernation, it starts to sing to attract a female. It makes a low-croaking purring sound. The Common Frog has loose skin under its throat so every time it croaks the loose skin expands out like a balloon. Even though a male Common Frog can be heard, it is still quite difficult to see because it quickly dives under water if it is disturbed. The ‘plop’ sounds of Common Frogs diving into water can be heard very clearly.