Frogs of Minnesota

Minnesota has a wide range of natural habitats including plenty of wetlands that are suitable for a variety of frog species. The state is home to two main groups, true and tree frogs. True frogs are recognized by long legs, narrow waists and smooth skin. The tree frogs are generally smaller than true frogs and are distinctive in having toe pads to help climb trees. Eleven different species live in the state, spread between these two groups.

  1. Bullfrog

    • The bullfrog is a true frog and is also North America's largest native species. In Minnesota, it lives in the extreme southeast of the state with few smaller populations ranging westward. It grows to up to 8 inches long has a dark green skin coloration with a paler yellow throat.

    Green Frog

    • The green frog lives in the eastern half of Minnesota and is the state's second largest true frog species. It grows to 3 1/2 inches in length and has similar coloration to the bullfrog but may be more brownish. Like the bullfrog, it is a highly aquatic species.

    Mink Frog

    • The mink frog grows to around 3 inches in length and has a blotchy brown to green skin coloration. It lives in the northeast portion of the state and is one of Minnesota's most common species. It gets its name from a smell it emits from its skin similar to that of a mink.

    Northern Leopard Frog

    • The northern leopard frog is pale green in color with dark rosette markings, much like a leopard. It is a true frog species that grows to 3 1/2 inches in length. It lives statewide in a variety of wetland habitats.

    Pickerel Frog

    • The pickerel frog lives only in the extreme southeast of Minnesota. It has a pale green to yellowish skin color with darker mottling patterns. The frog grows to just over 3 inches in length. As a defense against predators, the frog produces a toxic chemical through its skin.

    Wood Frog

    • The wood frog lives in all but the most southern regions of the state. It grows to just over 2 inches and has a brownish coloration. The species is suited to Minnesota's cold winter climate and has a natural antifreeze, which allows them to become completely frozen and still survive.

    Gray Tree Frogs

    • Both the gray and Cope's gray tree frogs are almost identical except for their calls. Cope's gray lives along a range line from the northwest to the southeast of the state. The gray tree frog is found in all but the most southwestern counties. Both species grow to around 2 inches long and have dark-to-light-green coloration.

    Northern Cricket Frog

    • The northern cricket frog is a tree frog that lives in small areas of the southeast and southwest of the state. It grows to just over an inch in length and can vary from dark brown to orange in color. It is an endangered species in the state of Minnesota.

    Spring Peeper

    • The spring peeper lives throughout the east and north of the state. It is a tree frog species that grows to just over an inch long. It has a tan skin coloration with a distinctive darker cross shape on its back. Like the wood frog, it can withstand partial freezing.

    Western Chorus Frog

    • The western chorus frog is found in all but the most northwestern counties of the state. It is a small tree frog that grows to around 1 inch in length. It ranges from dark brown to reddish in color with darker stripes along its back. It is the state's smallest frog species.