Are There Bullfrogs in South Dakota?
Yes, bullfrogs are present in South Dakota, though their distribution is more limited than in warmer states. They inhabit ponds and marshes primarily in eastern South Dakota, where water bodies provide suitable breeding habitat. Bullfrogs are expanding their range northward, and populations have become established in several locations.
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 present in South Dakota, though their distribution is more limited than in warmer states. They inhabit ponds and marshes primarily in eastern South Dakota, where water bodies provide suitable breeding habitat. Bullfrogs are expanding their range northward, and populations have become established in several locations.
Where Bullfrogs Are Found in South Dakota
Bullfrogs in South Dakota are primarily found in eastern portions of the state where water bodies and wetland habitat are most abundant. The Missouri River system throughout South Dakota supports populations in its slower reaches and associated backwater ponds. Glacial lakes in northeastern South Dakota, including areas around Watertown and Brookings, support established populations. Prairie ponds and marshes throughout the eastern prairie region provide breeding habitat. The Big Stone Lake area along the Minnesota border hosts bullfrog populations. Wetland complexes in the James River drainage support breeding communities. Farm ponds and stock tanks throughout eastern South Dakota provide habitat, particularly where dense emergent vegetation exists. Western South Dakota represents the edge of bullfrog range, with populations increasingly rare as you move toward the Black Hills and western plains. Learn more aboutbullfrogs in South Dakotaand exploreSouth Dakota wildlife. Managed wetland areas and wildlife refuges with suitable habitat offer the best opportunities for finding bullfrogs in the state. Seethe Bullfrog guide for South Dakotafor more.
Season and Timing for Bullfrogs in South Dakota
Bullfrogs in South Dakota have a shorter breeding season than in warmer states, beginning in late May or early June when water temperatures finally rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Males establish territories and begin calling in June, with peak vocalization occurring from late June through July. Breeding activity is most intense in July and early August when water temperatures reach optimal levels between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. South Dakota's shorter summer limits breeding activity compared to states further south, creating a compressed breeding window. Female bullfrogs lay egg masses primarily in late June and July, depositing them in shallow, vegetated areas of ponds and marshes. Tadpole development requires one to two years even in South Dakota's shorter growing season, meaning tadpoles from summer will spend the following year developing. Calling activity decreases noticeably by late August as temperatures drop. Bullfrogs migrate to overwintering sites by September and October. They burrow into mud at pond bottoms, remaining dormant from November through April. Spring warming in May triggers emergence and the resumption of territorial calling. Seethe South Dakota wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Bullfrog
Bullfrogs are South Dakota's largest frogs, typically measuring 3.5 to 6.5 inches in length, with larger individuals occasionally exceeding 7 inches. Their useful body is bright green to olive green with smooth, wet-appearing skin. The most distinctive identification feature is the large, prominent eardrums (tympana) located just behind each eye, appearing as obvious circular discs as wide as the eye itself. Adult males are slightly larger than females and develop yellowish throats during breeding season. Males also exhibit enlarged eardrums and thickened front legs adapted for powerful jumping and territorial wrestling. Female bullfrogs typically remain entirely green without throat color changes. Coloration varies from bright emerald to dull olive, with some individuals displaying darker backs with light spotting or mottling. Males produce the distinctive loud call that gives these frogs their common name, a deep resonant sound resembling jug-o-rum or a banjo note. This deep call is audible from considerable distances and serves as the most reliable field identification method.
Where Sightings Concentrate in South Dakota
Bullfrogs concentrate in specific wetland habitats throughout eastern South Dakota where water bodies provide suitable breeding conditions. Glacial lakes in northeastern South Dakota, particularly around Watertown in Codington County, support established populations. The Big Stone Lake region along the Minnesota border consistently yields bullfrog sightings. Glacial lakes and prairie ponds in Roberts County and Grants County have documented populations. The James River floodplain wetlands in eastern South Dakota support breeding communities in suitable areas. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding wetlands provide protected habitat. Managed wetland areas and restored prairie ponds increasingly support bullfrogs as habitat improves. Farm ponds with emergent vegetation throughout the eastern prairie region provide distributed populations. VisitSouth Dakota wildlife informationfor specific locations and public access details where bullfrogs can be observed.
Typical Behavior of Bullfrogs
Bullfrogs are ambush predators that spend most daylight hours motionless on pond banks and among aquatic vegetation, waiting for prey to venture within striking distance. They feed on insects, smaller frogs, tadpoles, crayfish, and small fish that venture near the water's edge. Their large mouths allow consumption of surprisingly large prey items, and they attempt to eat anything they can fit into their mouths. Male bullfrogs are territorial during breeding season, vocalizing loudly to attract females and repel competing males. Males engage in physical wrestling matches with rivals, attempting to push competitors away from prime calling positions. Female bullfrogs lay egg masses containing up to 20,000 eggs in shallow, vegetated areas of ponds and marshes. Bullfrogs are primarily nocturnal hunters, becoming most active at dusk and throughout the night when aquatic prey activity increases. Their loud vocalizations during breeding season serve dual purposes of attracting mates and establishing territorial dominance over competitors. South Dakota's short summer may force more diurnal foraging than in warmer climates to maximize feeding opportunities.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Bullfrogs in South Dakota are not protected or restricted from collection under state wildlife regulations administered by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. While bullfrogs are not dangerous to humans, they possess powerful hind legs capable of delivering surprising kicks when handled. They will not bite like snapping turtles, though they may attempt to consume fingers if perceiving them as food. Approaching bullfrogs quietly and slowly provides the best observation opportunity without causing stress. Children should be closely supervised near water bodies to prevent accidental falls or drowning. Bullfrogs are relatively new to South Dakota ecosystems and are expanding northward as climate and habitat conditions permit. Their presence in South Dakota wetlands may influence native frog populations through predation. Do not release captive or non-native bullfrogs into wild water systems, as this accelerates invasion of non-native species into new areas. Monitor South Dakota populations to track range expansion patterns.
Common Species Confused With Bullfrogs
The green frog is the species most commonly mistaken for a bullfrog in South Dakota, though distinctly smaller at 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Green frogs display a ridge running down each side of the body and have smaller eardrums relative to head size. American bullfrogs share similar habitats with green frogs, making side-by-side comparison useful for identification. Leopard frogs are rare in South Dakota but are smaller and display distinctive spotted patterns. Northern leopard frogs, when found, are smaller than bullfrogs at 2 to 3.5 inches with distinctive spotting. Chorus frogs are much smaller, less than 1.5 inches, with a distinctive striped pattern. Spring peepers are tiny at under 1.5 inches with a high-pitched peep call very different from bullfrogs. Correct identification helps understand South Dakota's amphibian diversity and range expansion patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullfrogs
Are bullfrogs native to South Dakota? No, bullfrogs are not native to South Dakota but are colonizing eastern areas and expanding northward from warmer regions. What do bullfrog tadpoles look like? Bullfrog tadpoles are large, greenish brown, and can reach 6 inches in length before metamorphosing into juvenile frogs. Can bullfrogs survive South Dakota winters? Yes, bullfrogs can overwinter in South Dakota by burrowing into mud at pond bottoms, though harsh winters may limit population expansion. Where can I find bullfrogs in South Dakota? Glacial lakes in northeastern South Dakota, particularly around Watertown, and Big Stone Lake along the Minnesota border offer the best opportunities to hear bullfrogs during summer.
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