CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Crochet Frogger, a name gaining traction, is an anonymous UNC student who began leaving crocheted frogs around campus for people to find.
The Crochet Frogger, who goes by she/her pronouns, said she turned to crocheting as a way cope with the anxiety felt after the Aug. 28 shooting.
“The first frog I put was in Davis, and Davis was where I was during the lockdown,” said the Frogger. “So it was sort of like a way to turn a place of trauma into a place of healing and make it into somewhere that felt safe and happy again.”
Carolina Week asked why The Crochet Frogger remains anonymous. She said she wants people to focus on the frogs and the joy surrounding them, rather than going after fame.
Over a few months, she has crocheted over 75 frogs and accumulated more than 2200 followers on Instagram.
One of her frog finders, Smrithi Tirumalapudi said this account gives her something to look forward to during the week.
“It’s something that’s made me feel a bit more motivated to come to campus,” said Tirumalapudi. “Especially cause maybe I’ll find a little frog; maybe I’ll find something a bit nicer that’ll bring me a bit more joy.”
The Frogger said many people have already reached out to her saying her account has inspired them to take up some crocheting of their own. She said she’s glad to have such a positive effect on the community.
“Mental health is really big to me. It’s something I feel like I’ve struggled with my entire life,” said the Frogger. “To see an actual, tangible impact that I can have with other people is just really awesome.”
The Crochet Frogger has partnered with UNC loves you for a valentine’s day collaboration on February 14 where one lucky raffle winner will be given a bouquet with a crochet frog inside. For more information visit @crochetfrogunc on Instagram.