Curiosity got the best of me. I snapped a few photos and posted them online, asking friends and neighbors if they had any idea what might have caused the mysterious prints.
Within minutes, suggestions started pouring in.
It was amusing to see how invested everyone became in solving the mystery. But it was a close friend who finally cracked the case—with a laugh.
The Surprising Answer: Tree Frogs
“Relax,” he said, still chuckling. “You’ve had a visit from tree frogs.”
Tree frogs! I could hardly believe it. These tiny creatures, often no bigger than a thumb, had somehow left their prints all over my car.
My friend explained that tree frogs are masters of climbing. Their little suction-cup toes allow them to grip smooth surfaces, from windowpanes to metal car roofs, without slipping. At night, especially in damp or humid weather, they wander around looking for moisture or warmth—and a car’s shiny surface makes the perfect stopover.
It made perfect sense once I thought about it. We’d had light rain the night before, and my driveway sits near a line of trees and shrubs. My unexpected visitors hadn’t been mischievous animals at all, just tiny frogs exploring the neighborhood.
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