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Seattle zoo prepares to release imperiled frogs

A female Oregon spotted frog from the Owyhee Mountains of Southwestern Idaho, rests in the hand of a researcher in this undated file photo taken in Idaho.
Associated Press
A female Oregon spotted frog from the Owyhee Mountains of Southwestern Idaho, rests in the hand of a researcher in this undated file photo taken in Idaho.

The Woodland Park Zoo is getting ready to release about 1,400 Oregon spotted frogs into Washington wetlands in a move to try to save the imperiled species.

KOMO-TV reportsScientist Mark Hayes is measuring, weighing and tagging the frogs that once thrived in warm marsh waters from California to British Columbia.

The frogs are still found in Thurston and Klickitat counties. Hayes says If they disappear completely, they may take common garter snakes with them. Because the frogs make up much of their diet. They're a source of food for other species as well.

Hayes is sticking a rice kernel-sized tag in the frogs so the state can track their progress.

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