Bullfrog is the largest frog of the United States. It is found in most parts of North America east of the Rocky Mountains and in many parts of the west.
Bullfrogs grow about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long, not including their hind legs, which may grow 10 inches (25 centimeters) long. Most bullfrogs have a yellowish-green or olive-green back and a white belly with brown markings. Some have yellow markings on the back. Males have a call that sounds like “jug-o-rum.” They are heard, mostly at night, during the spring and summer. Female bullfrogs do not call. Bullfrogs spend most of their lives in or near ponds and slow streams. They seldom travel long distances on land.
The female bullfrog may lay up to 20,000 black-and-white eggs, usually near the surface of the water. The eggs hatch in 5 to 20 days and become polliwogs or tadpoles. In the northern states, the tadpoles grow to a length of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in two years. Then they gradually lose their long tails and turn into frogs only about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. Bullfrogs eat insects and other small animals they can swallow. Tadpoles feed on small water plants.
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Bullfrog
Small bullfrogs are caught for use as bait for fishing. Large numbers are caught for their meaty legs and for dissection in biology classes. In many states, bullfrogs are protected by law, especially in the breeding season.
