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Global Animal Guide

American Bullfrog: Key Facts

Large green American bullfrog sitting at the edge of a pond among reeds

Quick answer

American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) are amphibians found across North America. North America's largest and loudest frog. Adults typically weigh Up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lb), reach speeds of up to 16 km/h (10 mph), and live 7–9 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (insects, fish, small vertebrates) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Native to eastern and central North America; widely introduced elsewhere as an invasive species.

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Key takeaway

American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) are amphibians found across North America. North America's largest and loudest frog. Adults typically weigh Up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lb), reach speeds of up to 16 km/h (10 mph), and live 7–9 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (insects, fish, small vertebrates) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Native to eastern and central North America; widely introduced elsewhere as an invasive species.

American Bullfrog overview

American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is an amphibian listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight Up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lb); lifespan around 7–9 years in the wild.

American Bullfrog ecology

Diet: Carnivore (insects, fish, small vertebrates). Habitat: Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow streams. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

American Bullfrogs and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild american bullfrogs are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full American Bullfrog profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

American Bullfrogs inhabit Native to eastern and central North America; widely introduced elsewhere as an invasive species. Their preferred habitat includes ponds, lakes, marshes, slow streams, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across N

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult american bullfrogs typically measure about 0.2 m in length and weigh Up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lb). They can sprint at up to 16 km/h (10 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. American Bullfrogs are known for north america's largest and loudest frog — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

American Bullfrog FAQs

What are key facts about american bullfrogs?

American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) are amphibians found across North America. North America's largest and loudest frog. Adults typically weigh Up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lb), reach speeds of up to 16 km/h (10 mph), and live 7–9 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (insects, fish, small vertebrates) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Native to eastern and central North America; widely introduced elsewhere as an invasive species.

What is the scientific name of the american bullfrog?

Lithobates catesbeianus — used in research and conservation listings for american bullfrogs.

What do american bullfrogs eat?

American Bullfrogs eat insects, fish and small vertebrates, with seasonal and regional variation in Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow streams.

Where do american bullfrogs live?

They are associated with Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow streams. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of american bullfrogs?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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