BULL FROG Lithobates (Rana) catesbeiana Shaw, 1802   

STATUS:  Abundant    

DOCUMENTED COUNTIES:  Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise. 

HABITAT:  permanent water in all habitats

COMMENTS:  The bullfrog has been introduced from river bottom habitat into permanent water of all habitats.  It is known to eat virtually any living thing smaller than itself, including venomous snakes such as the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous), rodents, small birds, crawfish, and other frogs (including smaller bullfrogs).  Its frog-eating habits cause this species to be a threat to native frog populations in the arid southwest, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, and California, where aquatic habitats are restricted.  In our area, sufficient aquatic habitats are present so that other species are able to escape the appetites of the bullfrog.