Hopping across the streets and splashing off the curbs around the schools, bullfrogs of all sizes are out and about with the increased rainfall as monsoon season previews cooler fall temperatures. Bullfrog size varies widely. Many of the froglets testing their land legs for the first time are no more than a half dollar in size. Fully fledged adults can reach up to 8 inches in length and weigh in at a whopping pound. Bullfrogs have expanded their usual territory near the more permanent bodies of water in the area like the Pecos River and Brantley Lake and made themselves at home in the streets and puddles of Artesia and Carlsbad.

Bullfrogs hunt at night, so be on the lookout for them with a flashlight. They will sit in wait for prey to enter into their jump range, then lunge, open mouthed, to capture insects, small mammals like mice, other amphibians, fish, and birds. If you’d like to find out more about these creatures check out the The Frog Lady blog featuring frogs found in the Enchanted State.

By: Kaity Hirst