For some unknown reason, the number of Mt. yellow-legged frogs in the Coyote Flats area near Bishop have dropped dramatically. This ecological event could impact a local rancher.
According to Nancy Upham of the Forest Service, biologists have monitored the Coyote Flat area for many years, when it comes to the yellow-legged frogs. Upham said that monitoring revealed a “pretty dramatic decline in the frogs” due to a fungus called Kitred.
Upham said the fungus kills the frogs and is spread in mud by means of cattle hooves, tires or boots.
Upham confirmed that rancher Ron Yribarren has prepared to take his cattle herds up to higher country for the summer. His allotment sits near the frog problem.
Ms. Upham said that the Forest Service would meet with Yribarren this week to seriously look into this issue and discuss options for him for this summer.
So far, it’s unclear why the fungus has appeared and taken out so many of the frogs.