Tag Archives: Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)

An Odd Frog Call

May 25, 2026

This post started with the discovery of the misidentification of a frog call in my yard, by AI. The sound that AI attempted to identify was perhaps that of a Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) together with the sound of a neighbor’s very distant gunshots. The frog which I believe made the call, a sweet Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris), has a rather strange call. I’ve seen it described as a snoring sound. My description would be the growl of a mammal, like a dog or a large wild cat. Not a friendly sound. So much for AI.

I have referred to the Pickerel Frog as “sweet”. That is my feeling about any frog around here. Precious, dear, sweet. But I must warn you, this small North American frog, found throughout my state of Virginia, is the only poisonous frog in the United States. Toxins are secreted from its skin which can cause moderate eye or skin irritation for humans.

But I’m still calling it a sweet frog.

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A Pickerel Frog

August 17, 2025

My smallish, man-made pond attracts many creatures, including several different species of turtles and frogs. This one is a Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris). I love the pattern it’s wearing.

The Pickerel Frog is said to be medium in size, averaging 1.75″ to 3″ in length. Its body is gray or tan, and there are dark brown or black spots in two rows down its back. There are also dark brown or black stripes on its legs, and each side has another row of spots of irregular shape and size.

The Pickerel Frog is the only poisonous frog native to the United States. Its skin creates secretions that are troublesome to humans and can cause death to small animals. So if you are inclined to pick up frogs, don’t pick up a Pickerel Frog!

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