Reptiles and Amphibians: Frogs

The ponds, creeks, and river banks along the Appalachian Trail are home to a variety of species of frogs which feed on insects. Bullfrogs, like the one pictured here, can grow up to eight inches in length and are carnivorous, eating a number of small animals. Bullfrogs can be confused with their smaller look-a-like the green frog. The two can easily be distinguished by their calls: Bullfrog call (.wav file), Green frog call (.au file).

Most frogs complete their whole life cycle in a single season, though some may live for two seasons. Frog eggs do not have shells and must be layed in the water, where the tadpoles that hatch out will live the early part of their lives.