Coleman Frog
Dubious large frog
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Coleman Frog (also known as Cornelia Webster[1]) is a supposed taxidermy specimen of a 19 kg (42 lb) frog, on display at the Fredericton Region Museum in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, since 1959. It was previously owned by a man named Fred Coleman.[2][3]
Description
The frog was allegedly captured in 1889 from Lake Killarney, north of Fredericton, at which time it was said to have weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces (3.3 kg).[2][3] Supposedly, the immense size of the frog was caused by the fact that Coleman fed it whiskey, baked beans, June bugs, buttermilk toddies,[4] and whey. It is said to have died in a "dynamite accident" and was sent to Bangor, Maine, to be stuffed.[2]
Controversy
Skeptics, such as the Museum of Hoaxes, say that the frog is a fake that was used to promote a cough syrup that would "relieve the frog in your throat".[5] In a 1988 report, the Canadian Conservation Institute stated that the artifact consists of canvas, wax, and paint and in a letter it refers to the exhibit as “an amusing example of a colossal fake and deception”.[6] The museum will not allow DNA testing to be performed on the frog to confirm whether it is real or a fake.[5][7][8]