More on the frog issue

It’s been a wacky week for the weird and obscure. First, the German frog crossing sign. Then, I learn about “exploding Swiss snowmen” (more to come on that). Followed by the fact that Budman and I can’t find a hotel room in Amsterdam for the upcoming three-day May Day weekend that is to be celebrated all across Europe. I’d originally thought it was because all those “tulip trekkers” like myself were heading to Amsterdam to catch the Keukenhof tulip gardens in full bloom. Silly me! No, that’s not the case, but rather it’s Queen Beatrix’s birthday this weekend. Ah, well, OK, then.

Sorry for that digression. Back to the all things green and slimy: the frog crossing issue. Check out the earlier blog post (a few posts down) if you need background on the frog crossing sign.

Budman and I have been somewhat intrigued as to “why” the whole preoccupation with the protection of frogs as they cross the German motorways and autobahns. Obviously, there is a serious ecological upside to ensuring these little guys have safe passage, but still….Well, upon further inquiry, we’ve learned a bit more about this.

Apparently, there is a 10-12 inch “curb” on the sides of all major German highways that has been installed as to prevent the Kermit and his frog brethren from being able to jump over onto the highway. Whenever Kermit reaches this curb, he is forced to go left or right. As he proceeds along the side of the curb, there are baskets spaced out every so often that will catch Kermit and hold him until such time a German frog worker (is this the job title?) or a nature volunteer empties the basket and relocates Kermit to safer ground. For those areas without the curbs and baskets, the need for the “Warning –Migrating Frogs” sign. Thumbs up for the Germans and their protection of wildlife, I suppose.

As if this can’t get any wackier.... Budman and I have confirmed through a CNN science and technology article that the Germans have now spent USD 285,200 on “frog tunnels”. Rather than Kermit being held captive in a basket for a passerby to empty, tunnels have now been built to allow Kermit and his frog clan to travel under some Berlin highways and away from the dangers of speeding motorists.

To answer the question that is rolling around in your head….yes, this is absolutely and utterly true. We can all sleep at night because all’s right with the world.

PS – In case you’re even remotely interested.
http://edition.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/01/06
/offbeat.germany.frog.tunnel.reut/index.html