American Bullfrog - Rana catesbeiana
Habitat:
Lakes, ponds, rivers and streams
Range:
North American
Activity Cycle:
Nocturnal
Features:
Brown and green in color with yellow, black or brown blotch accents on their white underside; large external eardrum
Size:
Largest of North American frogs; 3.5-6 inches in length; approximately 1.5 pounds in weight
Social Structure:
Solitary
Life Expectancy:
6-10 years
Diet:
Big insects, worms, frogs, small birds, mammals, reptiles and fish
Reproduction:
Occurs in late spring to early summer; females lay approximately 20,000 eggs that float together at the water's surface; hatching takes less than a week but the entire metamorphosis cycle can take between three months and three years.
Status:
Least Concern
Interesting Facts:
- Known for its “jug-a-rum, jug-a-rum” sound that can be heard from half a mile away.
- Sit and wait for prey to pass by, then jump toward it with its mouth wide open.
- Predators include raccoons, snakes, turtles and birds of prey.
- Males are highly territorial and aggressive toward intruders.
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