American Bullfrog

The American Bullfrog is an aquatic animal, a member of the Ranidae family ((also known as “true frogs”)) and native to many parts of North America. It is also an amphibian and a cousin to toads and salamanders. This species of frog is extremely common, especially in the southern United States and parts of the Midwestern United States.

As is true for many frogs, the American Bullfrog lives primarily in larger, permanent bodies of water, including swamps, ponds, lakes and more. Actually, because the American Bullfrog requires oxygen, it tends to live along the water’s edge, not in or under the water. In fact, during periods of heavy rain, the American Bullfrog leaves the water for dry land.

The American Bullfrog does breathe oxygen. More precisely, it absorbs oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide through its moist skin. It also breathes or absorbs oxygen through its lungs and the roof of its mouth.

American Bullfrogs are prolific. They thrive and exist in great numbers. Breeding occurs in late spring and early summer. That is when males use their “bull-like roar” to attract females. Mating occurs when the male mounts the female and “rides” on top of her.

Once mating has been completed, the female, after a time, will lay up to as many as 20,000 to 25,000 eggs in water. It’s called a “clutch” and, while the number is vast, the majority will not survive. Many eggs will fall prey to hungry predators even before they hatch. Once hatched, huge numbers of the newly-born tadpoles will also become victims of voracious predators, including fish, snakes and birds.

Most eggs hatch in about three to five days. The surviving tadpoles will experience metamorphosis (turn into a mature frog) in as little as a few months in warmer climates, as long as 2-3 years in colder climates.

The normal lifespan for this common green-colored frog is about 4-5 years. The diet is varied. In fact, the American Bullfrog is carnivorous, has a voracious appetite and eats small rodents, small turtles, snakes, other frogs, birds, even bats. Dinner is quick because the frog simply stuffs the prey down its throat.

Frogs are such prolific predators that they have been known to control the mosquito population in areas in which they grow naturally.

The American Bullfrog is a nighttime predator. That is when it does most of its hunting. It will sit quietly and wait for its prey to pass by. Then, it will leap from 3 to 6 feet at its prey, catch it and swallow it whole.

This frog, which has smooth skin, is also territorial and will fight with rivals to defend its territory. Fights like this are actually somewhat common.

Interestingly, the American Bullfrog is not just a predator, it is also prey. People think of it as a food source and, in fact, “frog’s legs” (the frog’s hind legs) is often thought of as gourmet cuisine. And, because so many people enjoy dining on frogs, these creatures are hunted in the wild and also grown commercially.

Finally, the American Bullfrog has a noble calling, as well. It is dissected and studied in school laboratories throughout North America. As a result, it is helping to develop the next generation of scientists and biologists and medical doctors, too. And that is, of course, a very good thing to do.