During spring and summer evenings in Mississippi, the deep, booming call of the American bullfrog fills the air. The sound, often described as resembling a “jug-o-rum,” is a hallmark of the season, according to wildlife experts.
As the largest frog in North America, bullfrogs can measure more than 6 inches long and weigh over a pound, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said. They prefer permanent ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where males call from the water’s edge to attract mates and defend territory.
After laying eggs, the frogs’ tadpoles hatch and may take more than a year to fully develop into adults. These amphibians are opportunistic predators, feeding on insects, fish, other frogs, and almost anything that fits in their mouths, officials added.
Fun fact: Bullfrogs hear through their ears and a large circular eardrum called a tympanum behind each eye. On males, the tympanum is noticeably larger than the eye, helping amplify sound, wildlife experts said.
