Fast Facts
Where they live
- View a map of where they live
- They are an introduced species in Washington State, originally found only to the east of the Rocky Mountains
- Currently found in many low elevation areas in Washington
- Live in lakes, ponds and wetlands, generally in the water or on the shoreline
Breeding
- Breeding season is spring and summer
- Females can lay up to 25,000 eggs in one mass
- Eggs can hatch within 5 days but takes the tadpoles two years to complete metamorphosis
Cool Biology Facts
- Can jump 3-6 feet! (1-2 meters)
- Have been introduced worldwide and have caused problems in many areas due to competition with local species.
- Males are territorial and will get in physical fights to defend their territory.
- Many restaurants in the US have bullfrogs on the menu and there are actual bullfrog farms to supply them!
- Are often carriers of the chytrid fungus that has been one of the major reasons for many frog species declines; however they are generally resistant to the devastating effects of the fungus.
Threats
- Their population is increasing and in many areas efforts are being made to eradicate them. View their status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Amphibians & Reptiles of Washington
Do you know where rattlesnakes live in our state? Or which salamander breathes through its skin? Explore the fascinating diversity of the 26 species of amphibians and 28 reptiles found in Washington state.