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This Genius Invention Is Saving Animals From Terrible Death
Having a swimming pool is a super fun way to stay cool during the summer. For the small animals living in your backyard, however, it can be a death trap. Wildlife biologist Rich Mason is out to change that with his simple, yet ingenious invention – the FrogLog.
“In June of 2004, good friends who had recently built an in-ground swimming pool on their wooded lot near Baltimore, Maryland, called to let me know frogs were dying in their pool,” Mason wrote on his official website. Deeply troubled by what he was hearing, Mason decided to construct a life-raft of sorts that animals could use to climb out of the pool if they became trapped.
The FrogLog consists of an inflatable platform with an attached mesh skirt, a weighted pouch that secures the device to the pool’s edge, and mesh ramp connecting the two ends. Mason fashioned the prototypes of the FrogLog completely by hand using fabric and foam.
After Mason’s thoughtful invention made headlines on The Dodo, it managed to attract over 68 thousand likes, and a wave of praise. “What a special human you are [for] caring about [these] seemingly insignificant lives…” one user commented. Every creature deserves a chance to survive, and the FrogLog is now one more way to make sure that happens.
More info: FrogLog
RELATED:
Warm summer weather means swimming pool season – as well as frog season!
Image credits: Amazon
But far too often, these and other small creatures become trapped in the pool water and drown
Image credits: Jan Ballard Moher
In 2004, wildlife biologist Rich Mason had a friend who found 53 dead frogs in her pool
Image credits: Levi DeWitt
Saddened by this, he started working on a device that could help these poor critters climb to safety
Image credits: Rich Mason
The FrogLog was born – an foam raft with a mesh ramp that hangs from a weighted pouch
Image credits: FrogLog
His first trials of the product were highly successful, saving more than 50 frogs
Image credits: FrogLog
He adjusted it by swapping the foam for an inflatable platform, and began selling the device
Image credits: Rich Mason
The FrogLog has since received endless praise
Image credits: FrogLog
“What a special human you are… caring about [these] seemingly insignificant lives…”
Image credits: FrogLog
Snakes, mice, and even birds have all been saved by FrogLogs across North America
Image credits: FrogLog
Every creature, no matter how small, deserves a chance to survive, and now hundreds more will
Image credits: FrogLog
See the FrogLog in action below:
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What do you think ?
Kimberly Kasper 7 years ago
I have two of these in my pool. I've been so happy with them. I live in a wooded area and even though I have a safety net around my pool smaller things still find their way in. In 6 months I have only found 2 dead frogs. Usually there are snakes, bugs and sadly many frogs in the skimmers. Not anymore! I am very thankful to the creator of this product.
John L 7 years ago
This is why I like to say "We have an opportunity" when such things crop up. It puts the brain in a positive mindset, and can lead to solutions that make you wonder why someone else hadn't already solved it. And at times such as this one, there is a good 'business' opportunity offering financial rewards. ;D
Hans 7 years ago
This is surprisingly simple and a good idea! But one question for the swimming pool experts: why are not all pools built with a fine-meshed drainage arround them, so that the water level is almost the level of the surrounding areas? This way, getting out would also be easier for humans. Is there any downside to this?
Shauday Smith 7 years ago
One of my cousins has something similar to what you're talking about. They keep the pool nearly level with the ground and have a perimeter strip for water overflow. They eventually stopped keeping the water at that level as it tended to be wasteful and thusly expensive. The screens broke a lot too from people standing on them. i'm no expert, but i'm going to venture a guess as to why this isn't the norm: as it has something to do with the filtration system and drainage efficiency. My parents have pool, and whenever there is a heavy rain, the pool does usually fill to the brim but the drainage system usually keeps it from overflowing and flooding the backyard. Having to extend the design to accommodate a larger perimeter for drainage also sounds extra expensive and could limit pool locations from a business perspective. But again, i'm no expert, just guessing. This seems like a very novel and cheap way to have your conventional pool and not put a dent in local wildlife.
Load More Replies...
Blake Chamberlain 7 years ago
thanks to the person who developed such a great device. caring for all creatures is important. god bless
Talia Johnson 7 years ago
If it works, it's genius. Have just ordered one, so will find out...!
Melody Lanzatella 7 years ago
OMG! This is just the BEST idea!!! I love it! I have saved SO many lil critters in my pool! Unfortunately, a few times, I wasnt there to help them and I felt AWFUL! Getting one IMMEDIATELY!
Sasha Majurey 7 years ago
Someone commented on my comment but I can't see it no matter how hard I look... where's my comment hiding? I'm interested in case they had a hedgehog saving idea
Sasha Majurey 7 years ago
seriously... if you're not going to let me review all the people liking and commenting to my original comment please stop sending me notifications... frustrating panda!!!
Load More Replies...
Debbie Linck 7 years ago
Necessity IS the mother of invention! While many humans disregard the low-land creatures, they deserve the right to survive. Thank you so much for developing this product to them climb out of danger.
Kristi Zoebelein 7 years ago
When we lived in Savannah we lived in apartments on a marsh. The pool was within about 20 feet from the high tide line and there were countless crabs who fell in and couldn't get back out.
Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago
Now that's a good invention! I know it won't save all of them, but still, every life counts. Good job man! Also - the ducks own it, literally :D:D
Blind Oracle 7 years ago
“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.” ~ Paul McCartney
youre2much 7 years ago
I have 2 of these in my pool! Not 1 more dead chipmunk in 2 yrs, and tiny birdies like to perch on them to get a drink. No more heartache!!
Kerry Quist 7 years ago
This makes me so happy. Usually people look at me funny when I try to save little critters & bugs. It's nice to know more people care.
ElizabethVargas 7 years ago
My life fell apart when my Boyfriend of 4years decided to call it quit. I was so devastated that i had an accident that left me bedridden. After 9 months of emotional pain and languish, a friend of mine introduced me to this Dr Mack, this was after I have been scammed by various fake spell caster. I was introduced to Dr Mack. In less than 3 days, i saw wonders, my Boyfriend came back to me and my life got back just like a completed puzzle... am so happy.. thanks to Dr Mack for saving my life and my relationship. contact Dr_Mack@yahoo. com, he is the best and kindest spell caster I've ever met! Thanks, thanks thanks!!!!!!! Elizabeth Vargas...
myplane150 7 years ago
What a great idea. Makes me want one for my bathtub for, well, just in case. You know?
Felicia Dale 7 years ago
Don't forget other containers with water in them that are hard for critters to get out of like buckets, water troughs and barrels!
Chris Angleberger 7 years ago
I cut "slices" off of pool noodles and leave them in the skimmer so the critters have something to grab onto...quick and easy way to save some little buddies
Lisa Greene 7 years ago
As a kid I spent my Summers in my grandparents pool. Every day I would skim the pool and then go to the trap and take out all the critters that had fallen in over night. I always felt that it was horrible that they got trapped in there. One of our family dogs drowned in the pool as did a couple of deers! Since there were no stairs the animals couldn't get out. This would have been a great thing to have in that pool! Love it!!
Patty Prado 7 years ago
Ninguna vida, por más pequeña qué sea, importa menos qué otra... Dios bendiga a ése hombre.
kkathleen517 7 years ago
I think this is one of the most awesome ideas I have seen in a long time, I love it. I wonder if it works for larger animals like cats?
Caroline Driver 7 years ago
Brilliant idea. Wish we'd had one when we had a pond, we found a snake and a baby bunny in it (although the cats may have had something to do with that) No pond anymore though
Cassidy Middleton 7 years ago
I fell like the person who made this should rule the world because it is helpful and amazing
Barbara Baxendale 7 years ago
This is a brilliant idea, I hate the thought of any creature drowning unnecessary !!
Anna Salerno 7 years ago
What a clever idea. I remember when my husband used to clean the pool he would find snakes and frog wrapped around the in deck filter who had drowned.
Bobbe Rushton 7 years ago
How do I get one. Every morning I scope Toads out of my pool. Twice I wasn't quick enough to save 2 bunny's. Please help!!!
Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
This product should be marketed to Australia, as critters suffer the same in aussie backyard pools. A most ingenious invention.
John Holden 7 years ago
That's great, but a larger animal's weight on that floating pad is going to pull the "anchor" off the edge and the animal will drown anyway. An improvement would be to anchor it more securely. DAMNIT, why didn't I just patent MY better idea?!
LizzyM 7 years ago
So a mouse is "dumb" enough to fall into a pool, but "smart" enough to realise it has to swim to this FrogLog thing to get out? How does that work? It's a great invention, but how do animals find their way to this thing if they fall in at the other end of the pool?
Hayley Lightcap 7 years ago
Animals are smarter than we give them credit for. If they're drowning and see something floating they typically think yay lol
Load More Replies...
darknessIsMyOutfit 7 years ago
So you're telling me this isn't genius?!? What would you come up with then?
Load More Replies...
Hans 7 years ago
Nature does not have morals..but humans do. And the lower our footprint of harming others, both directly and indirectly, the better.
Load More Replies... Kimberly Kasper 7 years ago
I have two of these in my pool. I've been so happy with them. I live in a wooded area and even though I have a safety net around my pool smaller things still find their way in. In 6 months I have only found 2 dead frogs. Usually there are snakes, bugs and sadly many frogs in the skimmers. Not anymore! I am very thankful to the creator of this product.
John L 7 years ago
This is why I like to say "We have an opportunity" when such things crop up. It puts the brain in a positive mindset, and can lead to solutions that make you wonder why someone else hadn't already solved it. And at times such as this one, there is a good 'business' opportunity offering financial rewards. ;D
Hans 7 years ago
This is surprisingly simple and a good idea! But one question for the swimming pool experts: why are not all pools built with a fine-meshed drainage arround them, so that the water level is almost the level of the surrounding areas? This way, getting out would also be easier for humans. Is there any downside to this?
Shauday Smith 7 years ago
One of my cousins has something similar to what you're talking about. They keep the pool nearly level with the ground and have a perimeter strip for water overflow. They eventually stopped keeping the water at that level as it tended to be wasteful and thusly expensive. The screens broke a lot too from people standing on them. i'm no expert, but i'm going to venture a guess as to why this isn't the norm: as it has something to do with the filtration system and drainage efficiency. My parents have pool, and whenever there is a heavy rain, the pool does usually fill to the brim but the drainage system usually keeps it from overflowing and flooding the backyard. Having to extend the design to accommodate a larger perimeter for drainage also sounds extra expensive and could limit pool locations from a business perspective. But again, i'm no expert, just guessing. This seems like a very novel and cheap way to have your conventional pool and not put a dent in local wildlife.
Load More Replies... Blake Chamberlain 7 years ago
thanks to the person who developed such a great device. caring for all creatures is important. god bless
Talia Johnson 7 years ago
If it works, it's genius. Have just ordered one, so will find out...!
Melody Lanzatella 7 years ago
OMG! This is just the BEST idea!!! I love it! I have saved SO many lil critters in my pool! Unfortunately, a few times, I wasnt there to help them and I felt AWFUL! Getting one IMMEDIATELY!
Sasha Majurey 7 years ago
Someone commented on my comment but I can't see it no matter how hard I look... where's my comment hiding? I'm interested in case they had a hedgehog saving idea
Sasha Majurey 7 years ago
seriously... if you're not going to let me review all the people liking and commenting to my original comment please stop sending me notifications... frustrating panda!!!
Load More Replies... Debbie Linck 7 years ago
Necessity IS the mother of invention! While many humans disregard the low-land creatures, they deserve the right to survive. Thank you so much for developing this product to them climb out of danger.
Kristi Zoebelein 7 years ago
When we lived in Savannah we lived in apartments on a marsh. The pool was within about 20 feet from the high tide line and there were countless crabs who fell in and couldn't get back out.
Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago
Now that's a good invention! I know it won't save all of them, but still, every life counts. Good job man! Also - the ducks own it, literally :D:D
Blind Oracle 7 years ago
“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.” ~ Paul McCartney
youre2much 7 years ago
I have 2 of these in my pool! Not 1 more dead chipmunk in 2 yrs, and tiny birdies like to perch on them to get a drink. No more heartache!!
Kerry Quist 7 years ago
This makes me so happy. Usually people look at me funny when I try to save little critters & bugs. It's nice to know more people care.
ElizabethVargas 7 years ago
My life fell apart when my Boyfriend of 4years decided to call it quit. I was so devastated that i had an accident that left me bedridden. After 9 months of emotional pain and languish, a friend of mine introduced me to this Dr Mack, this was after I have been scammed by various fake spell caster. I was introduced to Dr Mack. In less than 3 days, i saw wonders, my Boyfriend came back to me and my life got back just like a completed puzzle... am so happy.. thanks to Dr Mack for saving my life and my relationship. contact Dr_Mack@yahoo. com, he is the best and kindest spell caster I've ever met! Thanks, thanks thanks!!!!!!! Elizabeth Vargas...
myplane150 7 years ago
What a great idea. Makes me want one for my bathtub for, well, just in case. You know?
Felicia Dale 7 years ago
Don't forget other containers with water in them that are hard for critters to get out of like buckets, water troughs and barrels!
Chris Angleberger 7 years ago
I cut "slices" off of pool noodles and leave them in the skimmer so the critters have something to grab onto...quick and easy way to save some little buddies
Lisa Greene 7 years ago
As a kid I spent my Summers in my grandparents pool. Every day I would skim the pool and then go to the trap and take out all the critters that had fallen in over night. I always felt that it was horrible that they got trapped in there. One of our family dogs drowned in the pool as did a couple of deers! Since there were no stairs the animals couldn't get out. This would have been a great thing to have in that pool! Love it!!
Patty Prado 7 years ago
Ninguna vida, por más pequeña qué sea, importa menos qué otra... Dios bendiga a ése hombre.
kkathleen517 7 years ago
I think this is one of the most awesome ideas I have seen in a long time, I love it. I wonder if it works for larger animals like cats?
Caroline Driver 7 years ago
Brilliant idea. Wish we'd had one when we had a pond, we found a snake and a baby bunny in it (although the cats may have had something to do with that) No pond anymore though
Cassidy Middleton 7 years ago
I fell like the person who made this should rule the world because it is helpful and amazing
Barbara Baxendale 7 years ago
This is a brilliant idea, I hate the thought of any creature drowning unnecessary !!
Anna Salerno 7 years ago
What a clever idea. I remember when my husband used to clean the pool he would find snakes and frog wrapped around the in deck filter who had drowned.
Bobbe Rushton 7 years ago
How do I get one. Every morning I scope Toads out of my pool. Twice I wasn't quick enough to save 2 bunny's. Please help!!!
Krystine Patterson 7 years ago
This product should be marketed to Australia, as critters suffer the same in aussie backyard pools. A most ingenious invention.
John Holden 7 years ago
That's great, but a larger animal's weight on that floating pad is going to pull the "anchor" off the edge and the animal will drown anyway. An improvement would be to anchor it more securely. DAMNIT, why didn't I just patent MY better idea?!
LizzyM 7 years ago
So a mouse is "dumb" enough to fall into a pool, but "smart" enough to realise it has to swim to this FrogLog thing to get out? How does that work? It's a great invention, but how do animals find their way to this thing if they fall in at the other end of the pool?
Hayley Lightcap 7 years ago
Animals are smarter than we give them credit for. If they're drowning and see something floating they typically think yay lol
Load More Replies... darknessIsMyOutfit 7 years ago
So you're telling me this isn't genius?!? What would you come up with then?
Load More Replies... Hans 7 years ago
Nature does not have morals..but humans do. And the lower our footprint of harming others, both directly and indirectly, the better.
Load More Replies...
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