The giant Bullfrog is showing up all over the Pacific Northwest. They just may be spreading a deadly disease to other native frog species. These frogs themselves are unaffected by this disease.
These Frogs are usually green to grayish brown with brown spots. They have easily identifiable circular eardrums like the bronze frog. These are located just behind the eyes on either side of their heads.
A recent study has found that these frogs can be carriers of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which is lethal to our local frogs and lizards. This fungus was introduced to the region during the mid-20th century when African bullfrogs were used to test for pregnancy. The frogs themselves are unaffected by the fungus, but it is wiping out many other species of frogs around the world.
Native frogs have been declining in numbers in North America and these frogs may well be part of the problem, more study needs to be done before we run into a serious problem. Bullfrogs can become a real problem to deal with when they get established somewhere, we need to implement stronger control measures before they get fully established here. On Vancouver Island, these frogs have reached the Campbell River area on their way to pioneering the whole island.
Night hunters, prefer to hunt at night, they will ambush and eat anything that they can fit in their gaping mouths, this includes insects, fish, birds, small rodents, other frogs, and snakes. They will sit and wait for prey to come into range, then with their powerful hind legs, they will lunge at the prey with mouths wide open to swallow their prey.
I have two frogs in my pond. Can you advise the breed as I do not want all my fish eaten if the are American bullfrogs. Thank you
We are getting a lot of these in our pool. Not sure if this is the American Bullfrog or not. If it is, do we destroy them? We live in Lantzville, BC, on Vancouver Island.
if you have sent a photo, it did not come through.