Are There Bullfrogs in Maryland?
Yes, bullfrogs are very common throughout Maryland and found in suitable aquatic habitats across the state. These large frogs thrive in marshes, ponds, lakes, and wetlands, particularly around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Maryland's warm summers and abundant freshwater wetlands provide ideal conditions for bullfrogs. Populations are useful in both coastal and inland regions.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated August 6, 2026.
Yes, bullfrogs are very common throughout Maryland and found in suitable aquatic habitats across the state. These large frogs thrive in marshes, ponds, lakes, and wetlands, particularly around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Maryland's warm summers and abundant freshwater wetlands provide ideal conditions for bullfrogs. Populations are useful in both coastal and inland regions.
Where Bullfrogs Are Found in Maryland
Bullfrogs are found statewide in Maryland in nearly all suitable freshwater aquatic environments. The Chesapeake Bay region supports extensive bullfrog populations, particularly in the countless tributaries and creeks that feed into the bay system. The Eastern Shore, including areas around the Choptank River and Nanticoke River, has abundant bullfrogs in brackish marshes and freshwater ponds. The Western Shore near the Patuxent River and Potomac River systems sustains healthy bullfrog populations. Inland areas including Carroll County, Howard County, and the Catoctin Mountains all have significant bullfrog populations. The extensive wetlands around Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland provide excellent bullfrog habitat at higher elevation. Central Maryland's piedmont region supports bullfrogs in numerous ponds and man-made reservoirs. Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County wetlands consistently harbor bullfrogs. Visit/wildlife/marylandto explore more amphibian habitats throughout the state. Even urban and suburban areas with retention ponds and wetland mitigation sites support thriving bullfrog populations. Seethe Bullfrog guide for Marylandfor more.
Seasonal Timing and Activity
Bullfrogs in Maryland are active from April through October, with peak activity extending across the warm months. They emerge from hibernation in late April as water temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, earlier than in northern states. Calling season begins in late May and continues intensively through August, making early summer the best time to encounter their vocalizations. Breeding occurs throughout June and July, with females laying egg masses in shallow vegetated areas. Unlike northern states, Maryland's warm climate allows tadpoles to develop more rapidly, with some completing metamorphosis within a single growing season. By September, bullfrogs remain active but call less frequently as water temperatures cool slightly. October brings a transition to reduced activity as they prepare for dormancy. Winter dormancy is shorter in Maryland than in northern states, lasting only four to five months. Warm springs and fall days can activate bullfrogs even during dormancy, and they may emerge on warm days during mild winters. Seethe Maryland wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Bullfrog
Bullfrogs are Maryland's largest native frog species, measuring four to six inches in body length and sometimes exceeding seven inches. Their skin is smooth and colored green to olive-brown, often with darker blotches and mottling that provides camouflage. The most distinctive identification feature is the large tympanum, a circular eardrum visible behind each eye that appears as a prominent disk roughly the size of the eye itself. Males typically possess a yellow or golden throat region, while females have a white or pale throat and appear slightly larger. The bullfrog's stocky, powerful build and muscular hind legs distinguish it from Maryland's other frog species including spring peepers, gray tree frogs, and green frogs. The prominent tympanum visible in bullfrogs is unique among Maryland frogs and easily identifies them. Their deep, resonant call is unmistakable once heard. Juveniles are smaller but retain the characteristic large tympanum and useful body shape that identifies them as bullfrogs.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Maryland
Bullfrogs concentrate in specific habitat types across Maryland. Shallow bays, coves, and calm water areas of lakes, reservoirs, and the Chesapeake Bay consistently harbor dense bullfrog populations. Cattail marshes and bulrush-dominated wetlands are preferred habitats, particularly where vegetation extends into deep water. The margins of larger water bodies where emergent vegetation provides shelter and feeding opportunities attract bullfrogs reliably. Visit/wildlife/maryland/bullfrogfor state-specific sighting information. Pond edges with muddy bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation support breeding populations. Beaver ponds created throughout Maryland's forested areas often develop thriving bullfrog populations quickly. Retention ponds in suburban developments and constructed wetlands frequently harbor bullfrogs. The warm, shallow waters of coastal bays and marshes around Kent Island and the lower Eastern Shore consistently produce bullfrog calls during summer nights. Explore/wildlifefor regional habitat guides. Spring-fed ponds and groundwater-fed wetlands provide stable water levels that bullfrogs prefer year-round.
Bullfrog Behavior and Diet
Bullfrogs are ambush predators that spend much of their time positioned at water's edge or partially submerged among vegetation. They remain motionless, waiting for prey to approach within striking distance, then capture it with a rapid tongue strike. Adult bullfrogs are strictly carnivorous, feeding on insects, smaller frogs including other bullfrogs, aquatic invertebrates, crawfish, and small fish. Tadpoles feed on algae and aquatic vegetation, but transition to insectivory upon metamorphosis. Bullfrogs are highly territorial, with males establishing and defending specific calling sites and shallow water zones throughout breeding season. Their loud vocalizations serve to establish territory and attract potential mates. Maryland bullfrogs benefit from the state's long warm season, allowing extended feeding periods. They are primarily nocturnal, becoming most active during warm evenings when feeding and calling occur. Bullfrogs have excellent vision for detecting movement and can respond to vibrations in water. They are aggressive hunters and will consume prey nearly their own size, making them effective population controllers for insects and smaller amphibians.
Coexistence and Legal Protections
Bullfrogs in Maryland are fully protected by state wildlife laws and cannot be collected, captured, or harmed without special permits. They provide important ecological services by controlling insect populations and serving as food for herons, snakes, turtles, and fish. Bullfrogs can coexist peacefully with human activities in and around Maryland's aquatic environments. However, they are sensitive to water pollution, pesticides, fertilizer runoff, and habitat destruction. Excessive water level fluctuations from dam operations, dredging, or marsh alterations can eliminate breeding habitat. The Chesapeake Bay region's water quality challenges from agricultural and urban runoff impact bullfrog populations. Native vegetation loss from shoreline development threatens bullfrog habitat. Landowners can support bullfrogs by maintaining natural wetland margins, reducing pesticide use, and protecting shallow breeding areas. Never handle wild bullfrogs, as they are sensitive to skin oils and bacteria from human hands. Maryland's amphibians face various environmental challenges, making habitat protection efforts crucial for population persistence and ecosystem health.
Species Commonly Confused with Bullfrogs
Several other Maryland frog species could potentially be confused with bullfrogs by those unfamiliar with frogs, though bullfrogs are notably larger. American toads are small, bumpy-skinned, and lack the smooth skin and prominent tympanum of bullfrogs. Green frogs are smaller than bullfrogs, typically only four to four and a half inches long, with a more slender build and a distinctive white line running down the center of their back. Leopard frogs have bold spot patterns and a more streamlined body shape compared to the stocky bullfrog. Pickerel frogs display checkered patterns and are much smaller with bright orange coloring on their hindlegs. Spring peepers are tiny, less than an inch and a half long, with characteristic X markings on their backs. Gray tree frogs are small climbing frogs with adhesive toe pads and warty skin texture. Wood frogs have distinctive dark masks across their eyes and are significantly smaller than bullfrogs. The bullfrog's large size, prominent tympanum, smooth skin, and massive useful build make it unmistakable when these features are understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Maryland bullfrog sound like? Bullfrogs produce a deep, resonant call that sounds like jug-o-rum or brrock-brrock, audible from considerable distances across wetlands on warm summer nights. This distinctive sound is one of the easiest ways to identify bullfrogs. When are bullfrogs most active in Maryland? Bullfrogs are most active from May through September, with peak activity in June, July, and August. Listen for their calls at dusk and dawn on warm evenings. Do bullfrogs eat other bullfrogs? Yes, adult bullfrogs are cannibalistic and will eat smaller bullfrogs and tadpoles when given the opportunity. This behavior is normal for bullfrogs and is rarely observed in the wild. Are bullfrogs native to Maryland? Yes, bullfrogs are native to the eastern United States and are found naturally throughout Maryland. Can I keep bullfrogs as pets? Maryland law prohibits collecting wild bullfrogs without permits. Non-native bullfrogs from other regions may sometimes be kept in captivity if state regulations are followed, but wild Maryland bullfrogs are protected.
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