The Mystery of the Strange Marks on My Car — and the Tiny Visitors Behind Them

“Looks like raccoon tracks!” one person commented.
“Maybe condensation marks from leaves?” another guessed.
Someone even suggested that a bird might have brushed against the glass in the dark.

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.

Those Mysterious Marks Are Harmless

Once you know what caused them, the whole thing feels less like a problem and more like a delightful discovery.

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