Frog Crossing

One of the more unexpected sights at Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park wasn't a waterfall or a lake, but this road sign.

At first glance, it looks almost comical — a large warning triangle paired with the silhouette of a startled frog. Yet the sign serves a serious purpose. Plitvice's forests, streams, and wetlands are home to numerous amphibian species, and during certain times of the year frogs migrate between breeding and feeding areas. Roads that cut through these habitats can become dangerous crossing points, making wildlife warning signs an important part of conservation efforts.

The park itself is famous for its chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, but its biodiversity extends far beyond the water. The surrounding forests support a rich variety of plants and animals, including bears, wolves, lynx, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Still, what I remember most is the contrast. Here I was in one of Europe's most celebrated national parks, surrounded by autumn colours and ancient woodland, and the most eye-catching warning sign wasn't about falling rocks or sharp bends — it was a reminder to watch out for frogs.

A small sign, perhaps, but also a reminder that in places like Plitvice, even the smallest residents matter.