Animal Profile
American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
About American Bullfrog
Largest true frog found in North America, weighing up to 1.1 pounds. Colors from brownish to shades of green, with spots or blotches of a darker color about the back. Sex of an adult bullfrog can be easily determined by examining the size of the tympanum (the external ear of the frog) located on the side of the head near the eye. In males, it is much larger than the eye and in females, the tympanum is as large as or smaller than the eye.
Habitat
Bullfrogs are a non-native, invasive species. The western limits are now confused due to their introduction into places as far west as California and Mexico. Bullfrogs must live in water and are therefore usually found near lakes, ponds, rivers, or bogs. Warm, still, shallow waters are preferred. Today, bullfrogs are found across most of the lower 48 states as well as in Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica. They prefer warm weather and will hibernate during cold weather.
Fun Fact
Bullfrogs can leap over 6 feet in a single jump.