The Green Gobbler

North American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

North American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Cute Frog of the Week: Nov. 21, 2011

The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is the largest frog species in North America. Males can reach up to 8 inches long and weigh in at nearly 2 pounds. And this guy takes pleasure in throwing his weight around. Bullfrogs are notorious for eating anything they can get their mouths around, including snakes, mice, birds, insects or even other bullfrogs. Because of their insatiable appetite, the frogs are sometimes considered a nuisance to places where they’ve reduced local populations of fish, turtles or other frogs. Although the males’ “mooing” mating call (which can be heard for miles) may be a siren song for the ladies, it should serve as warning to other critters that there’s a bully in the pond.

Photo by Joe Milmoe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.

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