Are There Bullfrogs in Vermont?
Yes, bullfrogs are native to Vermont and are common, particularly in the southern portions of the state. These large frogs inhabit ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are most common around Lake Champlain and in the lowlands south of the central highlands. [Explore Vermont wildlife](/wildlife/vermont) to learn about frogs and other amphibians native to the state.
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 native to Vermont and are common, particularly in the southern portions of the state. These large frogs inhabit ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are most common around Lake Champlain and in the lowlands south of the central highlands.Explore Vermont wildlifeto learn about frogs and other amphibians native to the state.
Where Bullfrogs Are Found in Vermont
Bullfrogs are native to Vermont and occur throughout the state, though they are most abundant in the southern and central regions. The Lake Champlain corridor supports healthy populations, particularly in shallow bays with marsh vegetation. The Connecticut River valley from the Massachusetts border northward provides ideal bullfrog habitat. Western Vermont around the Green Mountains contains populations wherever suitable water persists. Northern Vermont has scattered bullfrogs, but they are less common due to shorter growing seasons and colder water temperatures. Populations concentrate in low elevation ponds, marshes, and slow-moving water. The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and similar wetland areas support useful populations. Agricultural ponds and farm wetlands throughout southern Vermont harbor bullfrogs. TheVermont bullfrog guideprovides information on specific locations where bullfrogs are reliably found. Seethe Bullfrog guide for Vermontfor more.
Season and Activity Timing
Vermont's cool climate limits bullfrog activity to late spring through early fall. The active season typically begins in May as water temperatures warm above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Peak calling activity occurs during June and July when breeding intensifies. Males establish territories and call nightly during this period. Activity levels remain high through August but decline sharply as temperatures drop in September. By October, most bullfrogs have entered dormancy or migrated to deeper water. Winter dormancy lasts from November through April, with bullfrogs remaining inactive on the bottom of ponds and lakes. Spring warming in May reactivates populations. Rainy periods in summer can trigger increased calling and movement. Overcast evenings are particularly good times to hear bullfrog choruses. MonitoringVermont wildlifefrom mid-May through July offers the best chance of observing active bullfrogs.
How to Identify a Bullfrog
Bullfrogs are among Vermont's largest native frogs, typically reaching 3 to 5 inches in body length. They are useful, muscular frogs with broad heads and prominent tympana, the round eardrums visible on the sides of the head. Body color ranges from green to brown with darker markings and mottling. Unlike green frogs, bullfrogs lack prominent ridges behind the eyes. Their skin is smooth and moist. Males are smaller than females and possess distinctly larger tympana. The distinctive call is a deep, resonant "jug o rum" sound repeated in rhythmic sequences. This call is diagnostic and immediately distinguishes bullfrogs from all other Vermont frogs. Tadpoles are large and greenish, reaching 2 to 3 inches before metamorphosis. The size and coloration make bullfrogs relatively easy to identify once encountered.
Where Sightings Concentrate
Bullfrogs concentrate in permanent water bodies with abundant aquatic and emergent vegetation. Lake Champlain's marshes, particularly around the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, host some of Vermont's highest concentrations. The Connecticut River from the Massachusetts border through southern Vermont supports substantial populations. Shallow ponds with cattails, water lilies, sedges, and rushes attract the most bullfrogs. Agricultural areas in Addison and Grand Isle counties contain numerous farm ponds supporting bullfrogs. Marshy bays along Lake Champlain provide ideal habitat. Slow-moving backwater areas along rivers and streams host bullfrogs when vegetation is present. The Winooski River delta near Lake Champlain is an excellent bullfrog location. Smaller ponds in the lowlands throughout the state regularly host calling males. TheVermont wildlife hubincludes information on public lands where bullfrogs can be observed.
Typical Behavior and Diet
Bullfrogs are ambush predators that remain relatively stationary in water, lunging at passing prey. They consume insects, spiders, crustaceans, small fish, other frogs, and occasionally small snakes. Larger bullfrogs readily prey on smaller frog species, including other bullfrogs. Bullfrogs are primarily nocturnal hunters but will feed during the day in shaded conditions. Males defend territories and call to attract females and warn rival males. The distinctive territorial call is most intense during June and July. Bullfrogs spend nearly all their time in water, only leaving to migrate to new water bodies or escape threats. Powerful hind legs enable efficient swimming and movement through water. In winter, Vermont bullfrogs undergo dormancy, remaining on the bottom of ponds and lakes. This metabolic shutdown allows them to survive Vermont's harsh winters.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Bullfrogs pose no danger to humans and do not bite or attack people. As native Vermont amphibians, they play important ecological roles in aquatic food webs. Bullfrogs are protected under Vermont law and cannot be harmed without cause. They are legal to observe in the wild. Catching bullfrogs for viewing is allowed but check current regulations before collecting. Tadpoles can be observed in ponds and brought into classrooms for educational purposes under specific guidelines. Bullfrogs are excellent indicators of healthy wetland habitats. You can safely observe bullfrogs at night using a flashlight near any suitable water body. Respectful wildlife observation is encouraged.Visit the Vermont wildlife hubfor current regulations and information about protecting amphibians.
Species Confusion
The most commonly confused species is the green frog, which is smaller than a bullfrog and has two prominent ridges running down each side of its body. Green frogs produce a single, sharp "plunk" sound rather than the bullfrog's deep "jug o rum" call. The northern leopard frog is much smaller with distinct dark spots and a pointed snout. The pickerel frog is smaller with a square pattern of spots arranged in rows. The wood frog is smaller with a distinctive dark eye mask and lacks the bullfrog's large tympana. The spring peeper is tiny, less than an inch long, compared to the bullfrog's 3 to 5 inches. The gray tree frog is small and arboreal, rarely found in the same water as bullfrogs. Learning the bullfrog's call is the easiest way to confirm identification. Size alone typically distinguishes bullfrogs from all other Vermont frogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Are bullfrogs native to Vermont?** Yes, bullfrogs are native to Vermont and have been present for thousands of years. **Where is the best place to find bullfrogs in Vermont?** Lake Champlain's marshes, particularly around the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, are excellent locations. **When is the loudest bullfrog calling season?** June and July produce the most intense calling activity, particularly on warm, humid evenings. **What do Vermont bullfrogs eat?** They consume insects, spiders, crustaceans, small fish, other frogs, and occasionally small snakes. **How can I tell a bullfrog from a green frog?** Bullfrogs are larger, lack prominent side ridges, and produce a deep "jug o rum" call rather than a sharp "plunk." **Can you keep a bullfrog as a pet in Vermont?** Check current regulations, but bullfrogs can sometimes be legally collected for educational purposes. **Why do bullfrogs call in Vermont?** Males call to attract females and establish territories during the spring and summer breeding season. **How deep must water be for bullfrogs to survive winter?** Bullfrogs need at least 2 to 3 feet of water depth to survive beneath the ice during Vermont winters.
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