Chances are the little leopard frog won't survive to see another summer. Like many of its relatives throughout Minnesota, the frog carried a deformity. But this one was deformed in an unusual way.
Most abnormal frogs contain missing limbs or other oddities.
This amphibian, which was found near the entrance to Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, had sprouted a fifth leg that was protruding from its chest. The little leopard frog was illustrated, photographed, weighed, measured and ogled by researchers from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and members of the media. Officials briefed the media Wednesday at the refuge about what the MPCA and other agencies are doing this summer on the frog front in wetlands throughout the state. A frog survey was part of the briefing, and that's when the little leopard frog was caught. Two other frogs with abnormal features also were found.