The explanations for this sudden outbreak are varied. Some biologists believe that the deformities are a result of parasitic infestation. Others suspect chemical pollutant, such as a pesticide. One possibility is the chemical used for mosquito control called methporene which had been shown to cause leg deformities in laboratory situations. Other possibilities include a viral or bacterial disease, heavy metal, and acidification.
Some experts even suggest the depletion of the ozone layer is causing the defects.
Since eggs float on top of the water, they can absorb extra sunlight with ultraviolet radiation. Where we are still uncertain of the cause, the effects are definitely apparent. The deformities are appearing in frogs that spend most of their time in the water. The research team from EPA has found frogs with missing legs, extra legs, misshapen legs, paralyzed legs, legs webbed together with extra skin, and legs that split into two halfway down. They also have found frogs with missing eyes and even one with a second eye growing inside its throat.