Are There Bullfrogs in New Jersey?
Yes, bullfrogs are common throughout New Jersey, found in ponds, marshes, lakes, streams, and wetlands across the entire state. These large amphibians thrive in New Jersey's abundant water habitats and diverse landscapes. Their deep calls are a familiar summer sound in wetlands from the shore to the mountains.
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 common throughout New Jersey, found in ponds, marshes, lakes, streams, and wetlands across the entire state. These large amphibians thrive in New Jersey's abundant water habitats and diverse landscapes. Their deep calls are a familiar summer sound in wetlands from the shore to the mountains.
Where in New Jersey Bullfrogs Are Found
Bullfrogs are distributed throughout New Jersey from Cape May in the south to the Delaware Water Gap in the north. The Pine Barrens wetlands support useful bullfrog populations in hundreds of small lakes and ponds. The Meadowlands, while urbanized, maintain bullfrogs in the remaining wetland areas. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in central New Jersey provides excellent habitat and supports large populations. The Delaware River valley, including oxbow lakes and backwater areas, harbors bullfrogs. Coastal marshes and estuarine areas throughout the state support bullfrogs in brackish and fresh water systems. Lake Hopatcong and numerous smaller lakes throughout New Jersey have thriving bullfrog populations. The Great Bay and Atlantic coast marshes provide additional habitat. Visit/wildlife/new-jerseyto explore New Jersey's remarkable diversity of wetland ecosystems and amphibian species. Bullfrogs thrive wherever suitable water and vegetation exist across the state. Seethe Bullfrog guide for New Jerseyfor more.
Season and Timing of Bullfrogs in New Jersey
Bullfrogs breed from April through August in New Jersey, with peak activity and calling in June and July. Males begin calling in late spring as water temperatures warm, typically starting in May as wetland waters reach suitable temperatures. The warm New Jersey summer provides excellent conditions for bullfrog breeding and tadpole development. Tadpoles can complete metamorphosis in a single season in New Jersey's warm climate, though some may overwinter and transform the following spring. The extended warm season of New Jersey, compared to more northern states, supports successful reproduction. By late fall as water temperatures cool through September and October, bullfrogs retreat to deeper water where they become dormant through the winter. Water beneath ice and in spring-fed refugia provides winter survival habitat. Spring emergence is relatively early in New Jersey, with males often beginning to call by late April or early May. Check/wildlife/new-jersey/bullfrogfor the best times to observe bullfrogs in your region of New Jersey. Seethe New Jersey wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Bullfrog
Bullfrogs are New Jersey's largest native frog species, reaching four to eight inches in length, substantially larger than most other state frogs. Their skin is smooth and typically green to olive-brown in color, often with darker blotches or mottled patterns. The most distinctive identification feature is the large circular tympanum or ear drum located behind the eye, approximately equal in size to the eye. Male bullfrogs are generally larger than females and develop a yellowish throat during breeding season. Their hind legs are exceptionally muscular and powerful, enabling them to jump several feet and swim rapidly through water. The distinctive deep call sounds like 'jug-o-rum' or 'jug-o-roo,' an unmistakable sound that echoes across New Jersey wetlands during breeding season. Bullfrogs have smooth skin without the prominent ridges or warty texture of other amphibians. Their overall useful appearance and size make them relatively straightforward to identify among New Jersey's amphibians.
Where Bullfrog Sightings Concentrate in New Jersey
Bullfrogs concentrate in permanent water bodies with emergent vegetation like cattails, bulrushes, and water lilies providing cover and hunting habitat. Large shallow lakes and marshes are prime habitat throughout New Jersey. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, with its expansive marsh management areas, supports extensive bullfrog populations. The vegetated margins of Lake Hopatcong and other major lakes harbor bullfrogs. The extensive marsh systems of the Meadowlands, despite urbanization, maintain bullfrog populations. Coastal and estuarine marshes throughout New Jersey, such as those in the Barnegat Bay and Delaware Bay areas, support bullfrogs. Pine Barrens lake and pond margins, particularly those with good vegetation, concentrate bullfrogs. Beaver ponds and restored wetlands throughout the state provide habitat. The densest concentrations occur in areas with extensive marsh vegetation and permanent water./wildlifeoffers information about responsible observation and appreciation of New Jersey's natural wetlands.
Typical Bullfrog Behavior in New Jersey
Bullfrogs are sit-and-wait predators that hunt from the water's edge or shallow water, lunging suddenly at passing prey. They feed on aquatic insects, smaller frogs and tadpoles, crayfish, and occasionally small aquatic vertebrates. Males are highly territorial during breeding season, aggressively defending calling sites against rival males through wrestling and display behaviors. Territory size typically extends a few yards around a male's preferred calling location. Bullfrogs are primarily nocturnal hunters but may forage during the day in cooler weather. They are strong swimmers that navigate efficiently through weeds and submerged structure. When threatened, bullfrogs produce a loud startled cry and leap rapidly away from danger. Tadpoles are herbivorous, grazing on algae and aquatic plants, and can grow quite large before transforming into small froglets. Their predatory behavior makes them important members of New Jersey's aquatic food webs.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Bullfrogs are native to New Jersey and are fully protected by state wildlife regulations. They may not be captured or harmed without proper permits from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Bullfrogs are generally harmless to humans, though their powerful legs and sharp teeth can cause minor injuries if handled roughly. They should be observed from a distance. Bullfrogs are an important food source for various wading birds, herons, snakes, and mammals throughout New Jersey. The presence of bullfrogs in New Jersey wetlands indicates healthy aquatic ecosystems with sufficient permanent water and vegetation. When visiting wetland areas, always stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing calling males during breeding season. Their distinctive vocalizations are a normal and beneficial part of New Jersey's natural soundscape during summer months. Respect these native amphibians as part of New Jersey's wildlife heritage.
Common Species People Confuse with Bullfrogs
The Green Frog is the species most often confused with bullfrogs, as it is large and often greenish. However, Green Frogs have prominent ridges running down their sides, which bullfrogs lack. Green Frogs also have a smaller tympanum relative to eye size and produce a distinctive metallic 'gunk' call. The Northern Leopard Frog is spotted rather than solid and significantly smaller than bullfrogs. The Southern Leopard Frog, found in southern New Jersey, is also spotted and smaller. The American Toad, while reaching moderate size, is bumpy and wart-covered, not smooth like bullfrogs. The Fowler's Toad is smaller and has different coloration. The Spring Peeper is tiny compared to bullfrogs and makes a very different high-pitched call. Learning the distinctive physical features and calls of each species helps accurately identify bullfrogs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullfrogs
Q: What do bullfrogs eat in New Jersey? A: Bullfrogs eat aquatic insects, smaller frogs and tadpoles, crayfish, small snakes, and occasionally small birds or mammals. They are opportunistic predators. Q: How do bullfrogs survive New Jersey winters? A: Bullfrogs remain dormant beneath lake and pond ice or in mud throughout the winter, drawing on stored energy reserves. Q: Why are bullfrogs so loud? A: Male bullfrogs call to establish territory and attract females during breeding season. The deep calls carry far across water. Q: When should I listen for bullfrogs? A: Bullfrogs call during warm evenings from late April through August, with peak activity in June and July.
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