Frogs in North Dakota: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, North Dakota is home to several frog species found in prairie potholes, shallow wetlands, and river systems. To identify them, start by listening to calls at dusk during spring and early summer, then look for key field marks like dorsal stripes, skin texture, toe pad size, and body color. The most common species are the Northern Leopard Frog (spotted back with pale midline stripe), Plains Leopard Frog (smaller spots without midline stripe), Boreal Chorus Frog (striped and trill-call), and Cope's Gray Treefrog (large toe pads, musical trill). Begin your search in shallow water or on the ground nearby during April through July, especially just before sunset or after rain when frogs are most active and vocal. Use both visual and audio clues to narrow down which species you've found.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- July, August, June
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,123 verified observations on iNaturalist of frog have been recorded in North Dakota, most often in July, August, June.
When frog are recorded in North Dakota
Yes, North Dakota is home to several frog species found in prairie potholes, shallow wetlands, and river systems. To identify them, start by listening to calls at dusk during spring and early summer, then look for key field marks like dorsal stripes, skin texture, toe pad size, and body color. The most common species are the Northern Leopard Frog (spotted back with pale midline stripe), Plains Leopard Frog (smaller spots without midline stripe), Boreal Chorus Frog (striped and trill-call), and Cope's Gray Treefrog (large toe pads, musical trill). Begin your search in shallow water or on the ground nearby during April through July, especially just before sunset or after rain when frogs are most active and vocal. Use both visual and audio clues to narrow down which species you've found.
What frog species are most common in North Dakota?
North Dakota hosts a handful of breeding frogs. The most frequently seen are the Northern Leopard Frog (spotted, with two raised skin folds down the back), the Plains Leopard Frog (similar but smaller spots and a pointed snout), the Boreal Chorus Frog (small, striped, and calls like a finger running over a comb), and Cope's Gray Treefrog (large toe pads, often heard trilling from trees). The introduced American Bullfrog shows up in larger, permanent water bodies. For a complete list, visit the/animals/froghub.
How can I tell apart the similar looking frog species in North Dakota?
Leopard frogs can be confused with each other and with the Pickerel Frog (rare in ND). Check the dorsal stripe: Northern Leopard Frogs have a light stripe inside the dorsolateral fold; Plains Leopard Frogs lack that stripe and have a lighter color. Cope's Gray Treefrog is often mistaken for the Eastern Gray Treefrog (not in ND) but can be identified by its call and a small yellow patch on the hind leg. Chorus frogs look similar to Spring Peepers but chorus frogs have three dark stripes on the back, while peepers have an X-shaped mark. Use a field guide from/wildlife/north-dakotato compare photos.
Where and when should I go to spot frogs in North Dakota?
Your best odds are in the Prairie Pothole Region (eastern and central ND) from April through July. Head to shallow wetlands, roadside ditches, and marshes at dusk or after rain. The Missouri River system and the Sheyenne River valley also hold good populations. Early spring (April and May) is prime for chorus frogs and leopard frogs breeding. Summer evenings bring out treefrogs and bullfrogs. Arrive just before sunset and listen for calls. Rain events trigger increased frog activity, so plan trips within 24 hours after a storm for the best results.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What equipment do I need for frog watching?
Minimal gear works: a headlamp with a red filter (less disturbance), rubber boots or waders, and a simple field guide. Binoculars help for treefrogs in branches. A smartphone with a recording app can capture calls for later ID. No need for expensive gear. A waterproof notebook helps track locations. After you're done, you can browse/t-shirtsfor wildlife-themed apparel.
How do frog calls help with identification?
Calls are the fastest way to ID frogs when you can't see them well. The Boreal Chorus Frog makes a short, rising trill. Cope's Gray Treefrog gives a loud, musical trill lasting 1 to 2 seconds. Leopard frogs produce a low, guttural groan or snore. Bullfrogs give the classic deep jug-o-rum sound. Practice listening to calls online before heading out. A good audio guide is linked from/animals/frog. Recording frogs on your phone lets you compare to online resources and confirms your identification.
What frog art prints are available at Easy Street Markets?
Celebrate your frog sightings with wall art. These prints capture the beauty of North American frogs:
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A vivid close-up that shows the iconic red eyes and bright green body of this tree frog. Ideal for a study or office.Check Price and Availability
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
Showcases the rare pine barrens tree frog with its purple and green sides. A subtle piece for any frog lover.Check Price and Availability
Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire
An illustration style frog portrait printed on fine art paper. Available framed or unframed.Check Price and Availability
For more wildlife designs, check out thewildlife t-shirt collection.
Do frogs have any predators I might see while watching?
Yes. Herons and egrets are common frog hunters along shallow water. Foxes, raccoons, and snakes also prey on them. Hawks and owls take frogs at night or dawn. If you spot a great blue heron stalking a pond, it's a good bet frogs are nearby. Learn more about these predators on the/animals/heronspage.
What are the best resources for learning North Dakota frogs?
Start with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for species lists and call recordings. The/wildlife/north-dakotahub on Easy Street Markets collects links to state-specific wildlife guides. The/animals/frogpage offers broader frog information including identification tips and tools. Also consider joining a local herp society or using iNaturalist to upload your sightings.
Are any North Dakota frogs endangered or of concern?
The Northern Leopard Frog is considered a Species of Concern in ND due to habitat loss. The Plains Leopard Frog is more secure. Bullfrogs are invasive and compete with native frogs. Report any rare finds to the ND Game and Fish Department. Supporting habitat conservation helps all species. You can also show your support with awildlife shirt from Easy Street Markets.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
What are the size differences between North Dakota frog species?
Size is a helpful identification clue. The Northern Leopard Frog grows to 2 to 4 inches long, while the Plains Leopard Frog maxes out around 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Boreal Chorus Frogs are tiny at under 1.5 inches, among the smallest frogs in the state. Cope's Gray Treefrogs reach 1.5 to 2 inches. American Bullfrogs are much larger at 3.5 to 6 inches, making them unmistakable. Comparing a frog's body length to your thumbnail or a coin helps narrow down the ID quickly.
What do North Dakota frog eggs look like and when do they appear?
Different frog species lay eggs in different patterns. Leopard frogs lay large, loose clusters of jelly in shallow water in March through May. Chorus frogs lay long strings of jelly wrapped around vegetation. Treefrogs lay small clusters on the undersides of leaves overhanging water or even in small puddles. Bullfrogs lay large sheets of jelly. Learning to recognize egg masses helps you find breeding sites and predict where adults will be. Early spring visits to wetlands often reveal fresh egg clusters, confirming frog presence even before tadpoles hatch.
Why do some North Dakota frogs stay mostly on the ground while others climb trees?
Behavior and toe pad structure go hand in hand. Leopard frogs are terrestrial to semi-aquatic, preferring open ground and shallow water, so they have modest toe pads. Cope's Gray Treefrogs have large, adhesive toe pads that stick to bark and leaves, letting them climb high into trees and shrubs. Chorus frogs and bullfrogs mostly stay on the ground or in water. Observing where a frog perches or what it grabs tells you a lot about its species. If you see a frog high in a shrub, it's almost certainly a treefrog.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What frog species are most common in North Dakota?+
North Dakota hosts a handful of breeding frogs. The most frequently seen are the Northern Leopard Frog (spotted, with two raised skin folds down the back), the Plains Leopard Frog (similar but smaller spots and a pointed snout), the Boreal Chorus Frog (small, striped, and calls like a finger running over a comb), and Cope's Gray Treefrog (large toe pads, often heard trilling from trees). The introduced American Bullfrog shows up in larger, permanent water bodies. For a complete list, visit the/animals/froghub.
How can I tell apart the similar looking frog species in North Dakota?+
Leopard frogs can be confused with each other and with the Pickerel Frog (rare in ND). Check the dorsal stripe: Northern Leopard Frogs have a light stripe inside the dorsolateral fold; Plains Leopard Frogs lack that stripe and have a lighter color. Cope's Gray Treefrog is often mistaken for the Eastern Gray Treefrog (not in ND) but can be identified by its call and a small yellow patch on the hind leg. Chorus frogs look similar to Spring Peepers but chorus frogs have three dark stripes on the back, while peepers have an X-shaped mark. Use a field guide from/wildlife/north-dakotato compare photos.
Where and when should I go to spot frogs in North Dakota?+
Your best odds are in the Prairie Pothole Region (eastern and central ND) from April through July. Head to shallow wetlands, roadside ditches, and marshes at dusk or after rain. The Missouri River system and the Sheyenne River valley also hold good populations. Early spring (April and May) is prime for chorus frogs and leopard frogs breeding. Summer evenings bring out treefrogs and bullfrogs. Arrive just before sunset and listen for calls. Rain events trigger increased frog activity, so plan trips within 24 hours after a storm for the best results. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What equipment do I need for frog watching?+
Minimal gear works: a headlamp with a red filter (less disturbance), rubber boots or waders, and a simple field guide. Binoculars help for treefrogs in branches. A smartphone with a recording app can capture calls for later ID. No need for expensive gear. A waterproof notebook helps track locations. After you're done, you can browse/t-shirtsfor wildlife-themed apparel.
How do frog calls help with identification?+
Calls are the fastest way to ID frogs when you can't see them well. The Boreal Chorus Frog makes a short, rising trill. Cope's Gray Treefrog gives a loud, musical trill lasting 1 to 2 seconds. Leopard frogs produce a low, guttural groan or snore. Bullfrogs give the classic deep jug-o-rum sound. Practice listening to calls online before heading out. A good audio guide is linked from/animals/frog. Recording frogs on your phone lets you compare to online resources and confirms your identification.
What frog art prints are available at Easy Street Markets?+
Celebrate your frog sightings with wall art. These prints capture the beauty of North American frogs: ### Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print A vivid close-up that shows the iconic red eyes and bright green body of this tree frog. Ideal for a study or office.Check Price and Availability ### Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print Showcases the rare pine barrens tree frog with its purple and green sides. A subtle piece for any frog lover.Check Price and Availability ### Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire An illustration style frog portrait printed on fine art paper. Available framed or unframed.Check Price and Availability For more wildlife designs, check out thewildlife t-shirt collection.
Do frogs have any predators I might see while watching?+
Yes. Herons and egrets are common frog hunters along shallow water. Foxes, raccoons, and snakes also prey on them. Hawks and owls take frogs at night or dawn. If you spot a great blue heron stalking a pond, it's a good bet frogs are nearby. Learn more about these predators on the/animals/heronspage.
What are the best resources for learning North Dakota frogs?+
Start with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for species lists and call recordings. The/wildlife/north-dakotahub on Easy Street Markets collects links to state-specific wildlife guides. The/animals/frogpage offers broader frog information including identification tips and tools. Also consider joining a local herp society or using iNaturalist to upload your sightings.
Are any North Dakota frogs endangered or of concern?+
The Northern Leopard Frog is considered a Species of Concern in ND due to habitat loss. The Plains Leopard Frog is more secure. Bullfrogs are invasive and compete with native frogs. Report any rare finds to the ND Game and Fish Department. Supporting habitat conservation helps all species. You can also show your support with awildlife shirt from Easy Street Markets. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
What are the size differences between North Dakota frog species?+
Size is a helpful identification clue. The Northern Leopard Frog grows to 2 to 4 inches long, while the Plains Leopard Frog maxes out around 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Boreal Chorus Frogs are tiny at under 1.5 inches, among the smallest frogs in the state. Cope's Gray Treefrogs reach 1.5 to 2 inches. American Bullfrogs are much larger at 3.5 to 6 inches, making them unmistakable. Comparing a frog's body length to your thumbnail or a coin helps narrow down the ID quickly.
What do North Dakota frog eggs look like and when do they appear?+
Different frog species lay eggs in different patterns. Leopard frogs lay large, loose clusters of jelly in shallow water in March through May. Chorus frogs lay long strings of jelly wrapped around vegetation. Treefrogs lay small clusters on the undersides of leaves overhanging water or even in small puddles. Bullfrogs lay large sheets of jelly. Learning to recognize egg masses helps you find breeding sites and predict where adults will be. Early spring visits to wetlands often reveal fresh egg clusters, confirming frog presence even before tadpoles hatch.
Why do some North Dakota frogs stay mostly on the ground while others climb trees?+
Behavior and toe pad structure go hand in hand. Leopard frogs are terrestrial to semi-aquatic, preferring open ground and shallow water, so they have modest toe pads. Cope's Gray Treefrogs have large, adhesive toe pads that stick to bark and leaves, letting them climb high into trees and shrubs. Chorus frogs and bullfrogs mostly stay on the ground or in water. Observing where a frog perches or what it grabs tells you a lot about its species. If you see a frog high in a shrub, it's almost certainly a treefrog.
Keep exploring
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