Hobbies And Interests
Water
Bullfrogs live in areas where there is a permanent body of water. The water must be relatively free from pollutants. The bullfrog has porous skin and absorbs oxygen through the skin when under water. Because the bullfrog is so dependent on its habitat, the health of the bullfrog population is indicative of the health of the environment in which it resides.
Daytime
Bullfrogs hide and rest under the overgrown vegetation at the edges of lakes, ponds and other permanent bodies of water. The bullfrog can live in both deep water and shallow water. The bodies of water the bullfrog chooses can range from lakes and ponds to bar ditches and slow-moving streams. The bullfrog prefers warm weather but is more active at night than in the daytime.
Nighttime
At night, the bullfrog becomes active. Seeking a mate, the bullfrog lets out a low-toned soft croak. The bullfrogs will leap about the edges of their watery home searching for a responding croak. In addition, the night serves as a prime hunting time for bullfrogs, who will sit motionless and allow food to pass nearby. The bullfrog will use its powerful leaping ability in conjunction with a long and sticky tongue to catch the prey. Shallow waterway edges and overgrown plantings assist the bullfrog in its nighttime activities.
Reproductive Habitat
When the bullfrog lays its eggs, it needs both still water and vegetation. These two aspects of the environment both hold and protect the defenseless eggs during the four days required to develop and hatch. Moving water will move the eggs out of their position near the water's surface and likely destroy them. Lack of vegetation makes it easy for swimming predators and birds to find the eggs and consume them.