Each claw sits on the inner surface of the frog’s toe and is sharpened like a horned tooth. The claw connects to the bone via a nodule connection, forming a natural hinge.
When the claw is extended, the bony nodule remains embedded in the toe pad, anchoring the bone and preventing it from tearing completely out of the toe.
The retraction mechanism is still under study. Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History and other scientist news services are exploring whether these claws evolved solely for defense or if they assist with mobility in rough environments.
These claws give new meaning to the idea of natural weaponry. Unlike many species that develop external tools, the hairy frog turns its own bones into weapons.
