Wildlife Watching Wednesday: Fast-Moving Leopard Frogs

By: Tom Berg

The spots on the northern leopard frog are similar to the spots on African leopards, hence their name. Photo: Tom Berg

The handsome northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) has been a perennial favorite among frog lovers for many years. These fast-moving amphibians are usually green or brown in color, with large dark-colored spots on their backs, sides and legs. The spots are reminiscent of the spots on African leopards, hence the name.

Leopard frogs are certainly very fast. Their speed and jumping ability is their best defense against predators, and they can usually escape capture with ease. Anyone who has tried to catch a leopard frog in their local meadow can attest to their incredible speed and agility.

Believe it or not, at one time northern leopard frogs were the most plentiful frog species in North America. Their range includes most of northern North America (except the west coast), including the northern parts of many Midwestern states. They are not found in the southeast. Although they are often found along the shores of lakes, ponds and wetland areas, they are also perfectly at home in thick grasslands and even in residential lawns.

Northern leopard frogs are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. Insects like flies, moths and ants are regular prey, but they also eat larger creatures like worms, small snakes, baby turtles and even other frogs. If they can catch it and fit it in their mouth, they will eat it.

At this time of year, leopard frogs are either hibernating or preparing for hibernation (depending on how far south they are living). Although they can handle cold weather, they still need to hibernate over the winter. Typically, leopard frogs spend the entire winter underwater, either right on the lake bottom or partly buried in the mud or silt.  Their skin must remain exposed to oxygen-rich water to keep themselves alive.  Once spring arrives, they will emerge from the water once again!

Tom Berg is an award-winning writer and photographer and has been a freelance writer since 1993. He is also the Executive Director of the Hoosier Outdoor Writers organization in Indiana and is a member of several other writers groups.