Christmas trees from Washington state arriving (in AK) with live 'ornaments'—the Pacific Chorus frog

[Kadie]

Christmas trees from Washington state arriving with live 'ornaments' — the Pacific Chorus frog
By MARY PEMBERTON , Associated Press

Last update: December 18, 2009 - 5:04 PM


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Forget the plastic icicles, brightly colored balls and tinsel.

Some Christmas trees for sale in the Anchorage area are adorned with something truly different this holiday season — live Pacific Chorus frogs.

While the small frogs are very cute, measuring an inch or two with lovely moss-colored green sides and black spots, state officials are asking residents to practice some tough love. If you find a Christmas tree frog, kill it.

snip...
That's because the cute frogs — whose joyful chorus is often used for movie soundtracks — could be carrying some ugly viruses and funguses, including chytrid fungus that is devastating amphibians around the world.

"Our immediate concern is that if a frog does hop out of a tree and they decide to keep it as a pet over the winter, they must keep it forever. We don't want them being released into the wild," Gotthardt said.

Yuhas said it's not that Alaskans are heartless, but it's a matter of protecting our own.

"I know they are awful cute but pets or small children are known to put things in their mouths," she said.


http://www.startribune.com/nation/79679597.html

[debbierlus]

1. Kill it? Just build it a little house and keep it.

If you don't let it loose, it can't contaminate the ecosystem.

I would not squash one of those little guys. I would name him.

[Arctic Dave]

2. In a state were trees out number people 10,000 to 1 I find it funny that we import them.

My niece came up to visit us a couple of summers ago and she saw a sign that said "trees for sale", she commented, who would be dumb enough to buy a tree when you are surrounded by them.

Yet another reason to buy a plastic tree.

[bananas]

3. "Christmas frogs are ribbitting..."

They could come up with some new Christmas carols from this.

[Bluebear]

4. Well, at least they're singing. nt

[aquart]

5. Nobody is going to kill a Christmas frog.

[KT2000]

6. Kill them? Noooooooooooo

I love those frogs. Unitl my neighbor killed them off with yard chemicals they took care of all the mosquitoes and other insects.
They start singing in Spring and the world is good again.