Northern Leopard Frog

Where they live

• View a map of where they live
• In Washington state current population and range is not known, it is thought that they used to be more widespread than last consensus.
• Prefer slow, cold water with lots of plants.
• Will use temporary or permanent water sources in meadows, woodland and marshes.
• Do not stay in breeding areas when not breeding, can be found in undergrowth away from water.

Breeding

• Breeding season is March to June, depending on temperature and elevation.
• Eggs are laid in tight masses and many frogs will lay their eggs together in calm shallow water.
• Eggs can hatch in just a few days.

Cool Biology Facts

• Hibernate in winter at bottom of ponds or streams either buried in sediment or under rocks or logs
• In Canada leopard frogs were used in most biology classes at schools as dissection specimens
• When picked up, can utter a very loud ‘scream’
• If frightened they will often jump in a zigzag pattern to the closest water source and dive in.

Threats

• Northern leopard frog populations were once widespread throughout the northern United States and Canada, but current populations are decreasing.
• Main threats include introduced nonnative species and habitat loss.
• View their status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.