28 Types of Frogs in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to over 30 frog species, from the common Green Frog to the elusive Pine Barrens Treefrog. Most sightings happen in the coastal plain and piedmont, especially near ponds and streams. Start by listening for calls in spring and early summer, and look for distinctive eye stripes or toe pads.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
28 types of frogs recorded in North Carolina
28 frog species have a verified observation record in North Carolina, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
2 of the 28 shown are recorded as introduced to North Carolina rather than native.
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Also recorded in North Carolina
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Eastern Narrow-mouthed ToadGastrophryne carolinensis | Gastrophryne carolinensis | 1,290 |
| 14 | Upland Chorus FrogNativePseudacris feriarum | Pseudacris feriarum | 1,111 |
| 15 | Wood FrogLithobates sylvaticus | Lithobates sylvaticus | 867 |
| 16 | Southern Cricket FrogAcris gryllus | Acris gryllus | 831 |
| 17 | Eastern SpadefootScaphiopus holbrookii | Scaphiopus holbrookii | 777 |
| 18 | Pine Woods Tree FrogDryophytes femoralis | Dryophytes femoralis | 432 |
| 19 | Barking Tree FrogDryophytes gratiosus | Dryophytes gratiosus | 408 |
| 20 | Oak ToadAnaxyrus quercicus | Anaxyrus quercicus | 158 |
| 21 | Carpenter FrogLithobates virgatipes | Lithobates virgatipes | 126 |
| 22 | Little Grass FrogPseudacris ocularis | Pseudacris ocularis | 102 |
| 23 | Pine barrens tree frogDryophytes andersonii | Dryophytes andersonii | 64 |
| 24 | Brimley's Chorus FrogPseudacris brimleyi | Pseudacris brimleyi | 59 |
| 25 | Cuban Tree FrogIntroducedOsteopilus septentrionalis | Osteopilus septentrionalis | 24 |
| 26 | Greenhouse FrogIntroducedEleutherodactylus planirostris | Eleutherodactylus planirostris | 16 |
| 27 | Gopher FrogLithobates capito | Lithobates capito | 12 |
| 28 | Southern Chorus FrogPseudacris nigrita | Pseudacris nigrita | 10 |
Plus 5 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
North Carolina is home to over 30 frog species, from the common Green Frog to the elusive Pine Barrens Treefrog. Most sightings happen in the coastal plain and piedmont, especially near ponds and streams. Start by listening for calls in spring and early summer, and look for distinctive eye stripes or toe pads.
1. What are the most common frogs in North Carolina?
The most frequently seen frogs include the Green Frog, Bullfrog, Cope's Gray Treefrog, and Southern Leopard Frog. Green Frogs are abundant in almost any water body, while Bullfrogs prefer larger, permanent ponds. Cope's Gray Treefrogs are often heard calling from trees near water. For a full list, check ourfrog species hub.
In North Carolina, frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How can you tell a Green Frog from a Bullfrog?
Both are large green frogs, but the Green Frog has two raised ridges (dorsolateral folds) running down its back, while the Bullfrog lacks them. Also, Green Frogs typically have a white belly with dark mottling, whereas Bullfrogs have a clean white belly. This is one of the most reliable field marks. See morefrog lookalikes.
3. Where in North Carolina do you usually see treefrogs?
Treefrogs like Cope's Gray and Pine Barrens are most common in the coastal plain and sandhills. The Pine Barrens Treefrog is restricted to the southeastern counties, often around isolated ponds. They are arboreal and hard to spot, but their calls are distinctive. For a state-wide overview, visit ourNorth Carolina wildlife page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for frog spotting?
Spring (March through May) is the peak breeding season, when frog calls are loudest and most frequent. Summer rains also trigger activity, especially for treefrogs. Evening hours right after dusk offer the best odds for seeing and hearing multiple species. Check seasonal tips on ourNorth Carolina wildlife page.
5. What are key identification features for North Carolina frogs?
Focus on eye position (e.g., eye stripes in Leopard Frogs), toe pad size (large in treefrogs, small in true frogs), presence of dorsolateral ridges, and call. The Green Frog’s call is a single “gunk” like a banjo string, while the Bullfrog’s is a deep “jug-o-rum”. For a detailed guide, see ourfrog identification page.
6. Plan your frog watching trip
Use the tool below to find lodging and camping near prime frog habitats in North Carolina.
7. How can frog art bring the outdoors in?
If you enjoy frog watching, these art prints capture their beauty and make great additions to your home or office.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A vivid print of the iconic red-eyed tree frog, perfect for a nature-themed wall.Check Price and Availability
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
Showcasing one of North Carolina's rarest treefrogs, this print is a must for state-specific collectors.Check Price and Availability
Frog by Eimear Maguire Wall Art Print
An illustrated frog print that works well in both modern and rustic interiors.Check Price and Availability
For more wildlife-themed apparel, browse ourwildlife t-shirts.
8. Frequently asked questions about North Carolina frogs
**Can you find treefrogs in the mountains?** Yes, the Gray Treefrog complex (Cope's Gray and Eastern Gray) occurs up to about 4,000 feet in the Appalachian region.
**What is the smallest frog in NC?** The Little Grass Frog (Pseudacris ocularis) is the smallest, only about 0.5 inches long, found in the coastal plain.
**Are any frogs poisonous in North Carolina?** No native frogs are lethally toxic, but the Cope's Gray Treefrog secretes a mild skin irritant that can sting if it gets in your eyes.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common frogs in North Carolina?+
The most frequently seen frogs include the Green Frog, Bullfrog, Cope's Gray Treefrog, and Southern Leopard Frog. Green Frogs are abundant in almost any water body, while Bullfrogs prefer larger, permanent ponds. Cope's Gray Treefrogs are often heard calling from trees near water. For a full list, check ourfrog species hub. In North Carolina, frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How can you tell a Green Frog from a Bullfrog?+
Both are large green frogs, but the Green Frog has two raised ridges (dorsolateral folds) running down its back, while the Bullfrog lacks them. Also, Green Frogs typically have a white belly with dark mottling, whereas Bullfrogs have a clean white belly. This is one of the most reliable field marks. See morefrog lookalikes.
3. Where in North Carolina do you usually see treefrogs?+
Treefrogs like Cope's Gray and Pine Barrens are most common in the coastal plain and sandhills. The Pine Barrens Treefrog is restricted to the southeastern counties, often around isolated ponds. They are arboreal and hard to spot, but their calls are distinctive. For a state-wide overview, visit ourNorth Carolina wildlife page. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for frog spotting?+
Spring (March through May) is the peak breeding season, when frog calls are loudest and most frequent. Summer rains also trigger activity, especially for treefrogs. Evening hours right after dusk offer the best odds for seeing and hearing multiple species. Check seasonal tips on ourNorth Carolina wildlife page.
5. What are key identification features for North Carolina frogs?+
Focus on eye position (e.g., eye stripes in Leopard Frogs), toe pad size (large in treefrogs, small in true frogs), presence of dorsolateral ridges, and call. The Green Frog’s call is a single “gunk” like a banjo string, while the Bullfrog’s is a deep “jug-o-rum”. For a detailed guide, see ourfrog identification page.
7. How can frog art bring the outdoors in?+
If you enjoy frog watching, these art prints capture their beauty and make great additions to your home or office. ### Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print A vivid print of the iconic red-eyed tree frog, perfect for a nature-themed wall.Check Price and Availability ### Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print Showcasing one of North Carolina's rarest treefrogs, this print is a must for state-specific collectors.Check Price and Availability ### Frog by Eimear Maguire Wall Art Print An illustrated frog print that works well in both modern and rustic interiors.Check Price and Availability For more wildlife-themed apparel, browse ourwildlife t-shirts.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in North Carolina