6 Types of Frogs in North Dakota
North Dakota hosts a handful of frog species, most notably the boreal chorus frog, leopard frog, and wood frog. These amphibians are most active in spring and early summer near wetlands, ponds, and ditches. Start your search in the eastern part of the state for the best odds of a confident sighting.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- July, August, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
6 types of frogs recorded in North Dakota
6 frog species have a verified observation record in North Dakota, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 4 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.
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
North Dakota hosts a handful of frog species, most notably the boreal chorus frog, leopard frog, and wood frog. These amphibians are most active in spring and early summer near wetlands, ponds, and ditches. Start your search in the eastern part of the state for the best odds of a confident sighting.
1. What species of frogs can you find in North Dakota?
North Dakota has a relatively short list of frog species due to its dry climate. The most frequently encountered are the boreal chorus frog, northern leopard frog, wood frog, and plains leopard frog. The Great Plains toad and Woodhouse's toad are also common but are toads, not true frogs. For a full list, check the /animals/frog hub.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. How can you tell apart the most common frog species in North Dakota?
Focus on size, color patterns, and toe pads. Boreal chorus frogs are small (under 1.5 inches) with a dark stripe through the eye. Northern leopard frogs are larger, green or brown with distinct dark spots. Wood frogs have a dark mask like a bandit and are brown. Plains leopard frogs look similar to northern leopard frogs but have smaller spots and a more pointed snout. Use a field guide for confident separation.
See ourFrogs guidefor the next step.
3. Where in North Dakota do you most often see frogs?
The eastern half of the state, especially the Red River Valley and the Missouri River floodplain, holds the most wetland habitat. Prairie potholes, seasonal marshes, and roadside ditches are prime spots. Focus on areas near water with emergent vegetation. Start at Sheyenne National Grassland or the wetlands around Devils Lake for reliable sightings.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for frog watching in North Dakota?
Spring (April to June) is the peak season. Frogs emerge from hibernation and begin calling and breeding as soon as ice melts and temperatures rise above 40°F. Early spring nights after rain are perfect for hearing chorus frog trills. By midsummer, activity drops and frogs become harder to find. Fall is quiet except for occasional wood frogs moving to hibernation sites.
5. What calls do North Dakota frogs make and how can you recognize them?
Each species has a distinct call. Boreal chorus frogs make a short, grating trill similar to running a fingernail over a comb. Leopard frogs produce a low, guttural snore lasting two to three seconds. Wood frogs emit a fast, quacking croak. Listen near wetlands at dusk. Knowing calls helps you locate frogs before you see them.
6. What gear should you bring for frog spotting?
A good pair of waterproof boots, a flashlight with a red filter (frogs are less spooked by red light), and a field guide. A camera with a macro lens can help capture ID details. Neoprene waders let you get closer to water edges. Keep a simple notebook to record date, location, and species - useful for building your own sightings log.
7. Where can you find frog-themed artwork for your home?
If you want to bring a frog's colors indoors, consider these prints from Easy Street Markets. They make good gifts for anyone who enjoys herping or North Dakota wildlife.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A vivid close-up of a classic tree frog, perfect for a study or nature room.Check Price and Availability
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
Showcases the striking green and purple tones of this rare species.Check Price and Availability
Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire on Artfully Walls
An illustration style frog print, available framed or unframed.Check Price and Availability
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
8. What other wildlife might you see while frog watching in North Dakota?
Wetlands that attract frogs also draw herons, hawks, and deer. You might spot a great blue heron stalking the shallows or a red-tailed hawk perched nearby. Foxes also hunt along wetland edges. For more on these animals, visit the /wildlife/north-dakota state hub. And if you want to show off your state pride, consider a shirt from our /t-shirts collection.
9. Frequently asked questions about frogs in North Dakota
**Are there tree frogs in North Dakota?** Yes, the boreal chorus frog is a small tree frog, though it spends more time on the ground than in trees. It has toe pads for climbing.
**Do frogs hibernate in North Dakota?** Yes. Most frogs burrow into mud or leaf litter to survive winter. Wood frogs actually freeze solid and thaw out in spring.
**What is the largest frog in North Dakota?** The bullfrog is not native but has been introduced in a few ponds. It can reach 6 inches or more. Native leopard frogs are the largest true native frogs.
**Can I keep a North Dakota frog as a pet?** It is illegal to take frogs from the wild without a permit. Enjoy them in their natural habitat.
**Where can I find a list of North Dakota amphibians?** The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has a checklist online. You can also check our /animals/frog hub for more details.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What species of frogs can you find in North Dakota?+
North Dakota has a relatively short list of frog species due to its dry climate. The most frequently encountered are the boreal chorus frog, northern leopard frog, wood frog, and plains leopard frog. The Great Plains toad and Woodhouse's toad are also common but are toads, not true frogs. For a full list, check the /animals/frog hub. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. How can you tell apart the most common frog species in North Dakota?+
Focus on size, color patterns, and toe pads. Boreal chorus frogs are small (under 1.5 inches) with a dark stripe through the eye. Northern leopard frogs are larger, green or brown with distinct dark spots. Wood frogs have a dark mask like a bandit and are brown. Plains leopard frogs look similar to northern leopard frogs but have smaller spots and a more pointed snout. Use a field guide for confident separation. See ourFrogs guidefor the next step.
3. Where in North Dakota do you most often see frogs?+
The eastern half of the state, especially the Red River Valley and the Missouri River floodplain, holds the most wetland habitat. Prairie potholes, seasonal marshes, and roadside ditches are prime spots. Focus on areas near water with emergent vegetation. Start at Sheyenne National Grassland or the wetlands around Devils Lake for reliable sightings. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for frog watching in North Dakota?+
Spring (April to June) is the peak season. Frogs emerge from hibernation and begin calling and breeding as soon as ice melts and temperatures rise above 40°F. Early spring nights after rain are perfect for hearing chorus frog trills. By midsummer, activity drops and frogs become harder to find. Fall is quiet except for occasional wood frogs moving to hibernation sites.
5. What calls do North Dakota frogs make and how can you recognize them?+
Each species has a distinct call. Boreal chorus frogs make a short, grating trill similar to running a fingernail over a comb. Leopard frogs produce a low, guttural snore lasting two to three seconds. Wood frogs emit a fast, quacking croak. Listen near wetlands at dusk. Knowing calls helps you locate frogs before you see them.
6. What gear should you bring for frog spotting?+
A good pair of waterproof boots, a flashlight with a red filter (frogs are less spooked by red light), and a field guide. A camera with a macro lens can help capture ID details. Neoprene waders let you get closer to water edges. Keep a simple notebook to record date, location, and species - useful for building your own sightings log.
7. Where can you find frog-themed artwork for your home?+
If you want to bring a frog's colors indoors, consider these prints from Easy Street Markets. They make good gifts for anyone who enjoys herping or North Dakota wildlife. ### Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print A vivid close-up of a classic tree frog, perfect for a study or nature room.Check Price and Availability ### Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print Showcases the striking green and purple tones of this rare species.Check Price and Availability ### Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire on Artfully Walls An illustration style frog print, available framed or unframed.Check Price and Availability See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
8. What other wildlife might you see while frog watching in North Dakota?+
Wetlands that attract frogs also draw herons, hawks, and deer. You might spot a great blue heron stalking the shallows or a red-tailed hawk perched nearby. Foxes also hunt along wetland edges. For more on these animals, visit the /wildlife/north-dakota state hub. And if you want to show off your state pride, consider a shirt from our /t-shirts collection.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in North Dakota