North American Bullfrog

Rana catesbeiana

"Worst Choice" Pet Worst Choice

The North American bullfrog is native to the central and eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. These bullfrogs have been introduced to Hawaii, parts of the western U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and Asia. They are usually found along the shorelines of permanent swamps, ponds, and lakes. Bullfrogs are the largest true frogs in North America, weighing up to 1 pound and reaching about 8 inches in length. They vary in color from brownish to green.

Did You Know?

The North American bullfrog is native to the central and eastern U.S.

Source Sustainability Best Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Little Cause for Concern

Wild populations of North American Bullfrogs appear to be thriving.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the North American Bullfrog as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Invasion Threat Worst Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Significant Cause for Concern

The North American bullfrog is a highly invasive species and are listed as one of the "World's Worst Invaders". They have been introduced widely and wild populations are found around the world. Introduced bullfrogs prey on native amphibians and compete for habitat and food. They are also known to carry the infectious fungus Chytridiomycosis, which can kill native amphibian species.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the North American Bullfrog as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Animal Welfare Best Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Little Cause for Concern

There is no evidence that North American Bullfrogs are mistreated in the legal pet trade.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the North American Bullfrog as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Health Threat Worst Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Significant Cause for Concern

North American Bullfrogs are known carriers of the highly infectious amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the disease Chytridiomycosis. This fungus is a significant threat to most frog species and has been linked to massive die-offs and recent extinctions of native frogs around the world. The international trade in these bullfrogs for the pet and food trades has been implicated in the global spread of Chytridiomycosis and Ranavirus, another disease highly harmful to amphibians. To learn more about Chytridiomycosis and the symptoms of infection, we recommend reviewing the information on Amphibian Ark.

Frogs may also carry Salmonella, which if ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the North American Bullfrog as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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