How to Find Frogs in Maryland

Narrow down the species you are looking for. The state of Maryland's different species of order Anura, or frogs and toads, are classified into categories of true frogs, tree frogs, toads, spadefoots and narrow-mouthed toads.

Match the species with its corresponding call. Frogs and toads make distinctive sounds. In some cases, the sound has influenced their name, as in the carpenter frog, whose "ric ric ric" call has been likened to the carpenter's hammer. Maryland Department of Natural Resources describes the American bullfrog's call as a "jug o' rum" sound, whereas the southern leopard frog has a bass, yet trillish call.

Obtain maps that illustrate statewide distribution. On the Natural Resources website, look at maps, found on each species' page, showing where in the state you might find the highest concentration of a particular species. Many of them reside in the areas surrounding Chesapeake Bay, but some species live in other portions of the state. For example, the first Reference provides the distribution map for the endangered mountain chorus frog. It is found at the bottom of that page.

List the habitats for the different varieties of frogs. Even though many frogs and toads are found in the same geographical areas, they often have slightly different preferences for their exact milieu. As you might guess, the wood frog likes woods and does not always need to be near wetlands. The pickerel frog does like wetlands, including flood plain swamps and streams. The eastern American toad is labeled a "habitat generalist" because it might live in your yard or in nearby woods. It is known to breed in wet depressions like tire ruts.

Search during the breeding seasons. These are the seasons where you may hear the greatest vocalizations or call activities. The green tree frog calls most between April and August, issuing as many as 75 calls in a single minute. The bullfrog is most active from April to July, while the wood frog is best heard on humid nights in February and March.