After breeding in deep ponds in spring, it hides in ground squirrel burrows. Two other amphibians, the Canadian toad and leopard frog , are found in the central Parkland region, but are not common at Redberry. The leopard frog's numbers have declined drastically in western Canada in recent years. The reasons for the decline are not fully understood, but seems to be part of a global threat to amphibian survival . In spring, they head for breeding ponds before the snow has melted.
Tadpoles develop rapidly, so the young are ready for hibernation when the brief summer is over.
They hibernate beneath leaf litter in woodlands. They actually produce an antifreeze that helps them survive cold winters. More about frog survival in cold climates at allabout frogs.org Redberry's most common reptile is the western plains garter snake . 50-70 cm snake is found in grasslands, woodlands and wetlands. Amphibians and earth worms seem to make up the bulk of its diet.