Family: Ranidae, True Frogs view all from this family

Description 3 1/2-8" (9-20.3 cm). The largest frog in North America. Green to yellow above with random mottling of darker gray. Large external eardrum; hind feet fully webbed except for last joint of longest toe. No dorsolateral ridges. Belly cream to white, may be mottled with gray.

Voice   Deep-pitched jug o'rum call can be heard for more than a quarter mile on quiet mornings.

Breeding Northern areas, May to July; southern, February to October. Egg masses are attached to submerged vegetation. Tadpoles are large, 4-6 3/4" (10.2-17.2 cm), olive-green, and may take almost 2 years to transform.

Habitat Aquatic. Prefers ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams large enough to avoid crowding and with sufficient vegetation to provide easy cover.

Range Eastern and central United States; also New Brunswick and parts of Nova Scotia. Extensively introduced in the West.

Discussion Nocturnal. Less aquatic than the Pig Frog, it is usually found on the bank at water's edge. When frightened, it will as soon flee into nearby vegetation as take to the water. Large specimens have been known to catch and swallow small birds and young snakes; its usual diet includes insects, crayfish, other frogs, and minnows. Attempts to commercially harvest frogs' legs have prompted many introductions of the American Bullfrog outside its natural range.