Which Tadpoles Are Found in Oregon?

Frog Tadpoles in Western Oregon

• The Cascades frog, as its name suggests, lives in the ponds, marshes and streams of the Cascade Mountains. The tadpoles of the coastal tailed frog live in cold, fast streams from the coasts to mountaintops. The foothill yellow-legged frog tadpoles live in streams and rivers; northern red-legged frog tadpoles are found in heavily vegetated water, particularly ponds in wooded areas. The pacific treefrog in Western and Eastern Oregon lives in ponds as a tadpole.

Frog Tadpoles in Eastern Oregon

• In Eastern Oregon, Columbia spotted frog tadpoles live in lakes, ponds and slow streams. Northern leopard frog tadpoles live in wetlands, particularly waters without fish, as introduced fish may be a significant cause of the species' decline. Tadpoles of the Oregon spotted frog live in the streams, lakes and ponds in wetlands. The Rocky Mountain tailed frog lives in cool, rapid streams.

Toad Tadpoles

• Toads, unlike frogs, live most of their adult life on land, but their tadpoles must still live and grow in water. Despite its name, the Western toad's tadpoles are found throughout Oregon in any water available. The Woodhouse's toad is only found around the Columbia River in Eastern Oregon. Tadpoles of the Great Basin spadefoot toad live in Eastern Oregon ponds near grasslands or woodlands.

American Bullfrog Tadpoles

• The American bullfrog is the only known invasive frog species in Oregon. Its large tadpoles outcompete the native species throughout the entire state of Oregon, though they do prefer permanent ponds, if they are available. American bullfrogs remain tadpoles for at least one year, so they can deplete a pond's resources before the other species lay eggs for the year. Organizations and volunteers are working to relocate juvenile and adult bullfrogs, so native frog and toad species can thrive and expand their habitats.