Ear to the Wild: American Bullfrogs in Sonoma County

29/12/2024

Listen "Ear to the Wild: American Bullfrogs in Sonoma County"

Episode Synopsis




American Bullfrogs were brought to California from the eastern states because the native Red-legged frog had become so scarce. A hundred and twenty-five years later, the American Bullfrog has become a dominant voice in many California soundscapes. It’s a reminder that our actions can have a profound impact on entire ecosystems.
(Photo credit: Jack Hines)





The sound of the American Bullfrog is easy to recognize. The thing is, they’re not native to California. Apparently, they were first brought here in 1896. California’s native Red-legged Frog population had nearly been wiped out by then. During the Gold Rush miners ate up to 80,000 Red-legged frogs a year! American Bullfrogs were brought to California from the eastern states because the Red-legged frogs had become so scarce. A hundred and twenty-five years later, the American Bullfrog has become a dominant voice in many California soundscapes. It’s a reminder that our actions can have a profound impact on entire ecosystems.

American Bullfrogs in Sonoma County. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com
(Photo credit: Tara Mini)