What Kind of Frogs Are Native to Anaheim, California?

The city of Anaheim is located in southwest California's Orange County. The natural habitats and wetland areas around the city are home to an abundance of species, including five species of frog. Three of the species found in the area are natural natives, while the other two have been introduced into the state.

  1. American Bullfrog

    • The American bullfrog is a large species that grows between 4 and 8 inches in length. It lives in all but the driest desert regions of California and in most wetland habitats. The species is also absent from the higher elevation mountain ranges of California. It is an introduced species to the state due to local frog farms that sprang up in the 1920s to supply frog legs for restaurants.

    California Red-Legged Frog

    • The California red-legged frog is a medium-sized species that grows to between 1 and 5 inches in length. It ranges along most of the state's west coast and into parts of central California. It is most common in lowland forests, wetlands and grasslands and is always near water. This reddish-brown colored frog gets its name from the bright red undersides of its rear legs.

    California Tree Frog

    • The California tree frog is a small species that grows to between 1 and 2 inches in length. The frog is gray-brown in color with rough, blotchy skin. It is found in the southwest corner of the state including Orange county. The frog is found close to wetland habitats and desert streams.

    Baja California Tree Frog

    • The Baja California tree frog is a small species that grows to around 2 inches in length. It varies in color from bright reds and yellows to drab grays and greens. The species is found throughout the wetland habitats of southern California except for the most desert-like regions. It is considered a common frog within its range.

    African Clawed Frog

    • The African clawed frog, as the name suggests, is not a native species. It originates from South Africa and was introduced to California during the '50s and '60s when it became illegal to own them as pets. Owners set the pets free into the wild and by 1968 it was clear they were well established there. Orange county is one of the counties in which the species has become settled. The frog grows to between 2 and 5 inches in length, is brown-green in color and has black claws on its inner toes.