The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: The base color is various shades of green, gray, or brown. Various amounts of dark spotting on the dorsal. The legs have narrow bands. Dorsolateral ridges extend from behind the eye down the length of the back and also around the back of the tympanum (ear). The tympanum is noticeably large. The underside is white or cream-colored. Adult males have a yellow throat during breeding season.  

Call: A low-pitched “glunk” that is commonly described as sounding like a banjo string or tight rubber band. It lasts 1 to 3 seconds. This frog has a pair of internal vocal sacs causing the throat to bulge when calling. When alarmed, this frog will let out a high-pitched squeak before jumping in the water. 

Size: A large-sized frog averaging 4 inches in length. 

Range and Habitat: This non-native frog has established populations in Weber County. It can inhabit various types of slow-moving water sources including marshes, ponds, ditches, streams, and lakes. It has been encountered in Utah from about 4,200 feet to 5,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The American Bullfrog lacks dorsolateral ridges.