Bull Frogs
Of course, everyone knows the song about Jeremiah and bull frogs, but how many would truly know bull frogs when they see them? With over 33,000 varieties of frogs in the world, it would be understandable to become confused.
Bull frogs can grow to be quite large, anywhere from 3 ½ inches for smaller ones right on up to 8 inches for a large one. Then you have to add full leg extension, which could add another 10 inches to their length. All in all, North American bull frogs are classified as the largest in the frog genus. Greenish brown in color, bull frogs might wear spots as well, especially in the south eastern United States. Their heads will be wide and flat, with gold-colored or brown eyes. The one identifying factor of bull frogs is the roaring call males issue to females at mating season which has been likened to the noise emitted by bulls, bestowing upon the frog its unique name.
Although some bull frogs can be found in western parts of the States, the origin for the amphibian is the eastern part; ranging from Canada to as far south as Florida. They prefer living along the edge of rivers, swamps and ponds amongst weeds and grasses. If kept in captivity, bull frogs can live quite happily for several years.
The diet of bull frogs is varied. A habitat containing bull frogs is very beneficial to human counterparts since the frogs enjoying noshing on mosquitoes and other flying insects that cause annoyance. That being said, bull frogs are voracious feeders, and will pretty much eat whatever they can fit in their wide mouths. This would include small rodents, birds, snakes and turtles.
And, while bull frogs do not have teeth, they do not chew or bite. Rather, after patiently stalking their next prey, the bull frogs will suddenly leap out at their victim, tongue snaking out to engulf and drag the struggling mass toward the open jaw. If the prey does not fit into the bull frog’s mouth, the frog will use its front legs to stuff the meal in. Once fully inside the bull frog’s mouth, the prey will be swallowed whole. The teeth which line the roof of the mouth and ridge of the jaw are merely used to hold the meal in place while adjustments are made.
Female bull frogs will lay up to 20,000 eggs at one time. As she is laying the eggs, the male is fertilizing them at the same time. Eggs will hatch in just a few days; however, the transformation of tadpole to bull frogs may take up to 3 years in cooler, northern climates.
You may decide, after learning these facts about bull frogs that you’d like to have one as a pet. Be prepared, as these giants of their genus have been known to live up to sixteen years!