If you’ve ever been anywhere near water on a summer evening in Georgia, you’ve probably heard the distinctive mating call of the male Bullfrog. The Bullfrog is among the largest frog species in the U.S., averaging 4 to 6 inches in length, and is well-known for its loud, deep “jug-o-rum” call. These frogs are common across the state of Georgia and inhabit just about any permanent water body: rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, marshes and the occasional swimming pool.
You can easily spot Bullfrogs on shorelines day and night from early spring through fall, though you’re most likely to hear the males during the April-July mating season; when temperatures turn cold, they burrow into the mud at the bottom of water bodies. In addition to being large and loud, the Bullfrog is a voracious eater that swallows up insects, earthworms, leeches, spiders, snails, salamanders, other frogs, lizards, small turtles, fish and birds, moles and bats – anything it can catch and fit in its considerable mouth. In turn, the Bullfrog is prey to water snakes, snapping turtles, large fish, herons, opossums, skunks and raccoons.
Love Knows No Species
Bullfrogs aren’t the only amphibians making a racket near the water. Georgia is home to almost three dozen species of frogs and toads, collectively called “Anurans” (Greek for “without a tail”). Anurans come in terrestrial, arboreal and aquatic varieties, but all lay their eggs in or near water – so if you live near a lake, pond, or stream, you’re probably quite familiar with a wide variety of mating calls made by frogs and toads during breeding season!
Anuran Love Hurts – But Not Much
Should you find yourself needing to remove an amorous frog from a pool or water feature, have no fear! While some frog and toad species do secrete a skin-irritating substance, it’s pure myth that handling a frog will result in warts. Anurans pose no danger to humans, but kissing (or licking) a frog or toad isn’t likely to conjure up your own Prince Charming!
