The American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is the largest frog in North America and was introduced to San Diego from the eastern United States for the commercial harvest of its legs for food. Male American Bullfrogs are highly territorial. Females are slightly bigger than their male counterparts.

It is now present in most wetlands of San Diego County. A voracious feeder, the American Bullfrog will eat almost anything it can overtake, from turtles to small mammals and even other bullfrogs. It is considered an invasive species throughout California and in isolated populations in Baja California, Mexico.

Learn more about the American Bullfrog at the Museum’s Amphibian and Reptile Atlas of Peninsular California.

PHOTO CREDIT: Carl D. Howe, Stowe, MA