Besides some identifiable markings, the American bullfrog is also recognized for its large size; they can grow up to six inches in length and weigh a little over a pound with females being larger than males.

American bullfrogs are well adapted for their swampy habitat. They are usually green, brown, or grey in color, with spots to help camouflage them. These frogs have large body features including their legs that are designed for jumping long distances. Their front toes are not webbed; however, the back toes (not including the fourth digit) allow them to move easily through the water.

The American bullfrog is an amphibian that originated in North America but can also be found in Asia and Europe. American bullfrogs prefer a variety of habitats like lakes, marshes, rivers, ponds, and more. Unfortunately, American bullfrogs are on the top 100 most invasive species in the world. When introduced to areas outside of the US, they are known to wipe out large numbers of native frogs because of their fierce appetite and their spreading of fungal diseases.

American bullfrogs are expert hunters. They have large appetites that become more demanding as the frog ages. Their diet is vast, essentially eating anything they can overpower and fit into their mouth such as rodents, fish, small birds, and even other frogs! Once the American bullfrog locks in on prey, it will jump through the air while shooting its sticky tongue out of its mouth. When the tongue finds its target, it’ll retract into the already forward traveling frog to be engulfed.

American bullfrogs got their name from the cow-like noise they make; during the mating season, it can be heard over half a mile away! Mating season takes place during the spring and summer as water temperature plays a large part in healthy tadpole development. The female will choose a male and lay about 20,000 eggs for him to fertilize. The eggs hatch within a week and develop well in 75-86°F water. If the water is too warm, they may hatch with deformities, while cold water will cease their growth all together.