"Unearthed" hibernating bullfrog... Is it going to die?

[teslas intern]

Hi All... So I was just collecting some hornwort (coontail) from my very cold outdoor goldfish pond to feed to my feeder roaches as an experiment, and I found a very dead looking bullfrog in the water. Its eyes were very much whited over, and it was a very dark brown grey color. It startled me, and then startled me much worse when it moved! So, I guess my question is have I now endangered it by disturbing it? Are they supposed to hibernate underwater? Can they get enough oxygen that way? Should I leave it alone or move it? Thanks!

[Mentat]

Leave it alone and don't disturb it's home . Frog knows what it's doing .

[teslas intern]

Ok. I'll wait till spring before harvesting any more plant life. Thanks!

[UncleChester]

So, I guess my question is have I now endangered it by disturbing it? Are they supposed to hibernate underwater? Can they get enough oxygen that way? Should I leave it alone or move it?

No. Yes. Yes. Leave it...

This is assuming you overwinter goldfish successfully in this pond.

[teslas intern]

The pond is deep enough for goldfish, but something usually eats them during the summer... I can put a ball or a heater in to keep a spot thawed for oxygen if necessary. It is 18 inches deep and about 175 gallons, below ground in climate zone 6b. Also it is nearly choking with winter hardy oxygenating plants, like elodea and coontail. As long as they are supposed to overwinter underwater, as your fabulously succinct reply states, I suspect he will be fine. Thanks guys!