Rana aurora

Red-Legged Frog

Identification/Variations: Not surprisingly, this frog is identified by having red coloring on the underside of its legs and sometimes sides and back as well. However, this frog may also be colored gray or brown above. Red-Legged Frogs also have varying amounts of black markings on their backs and black bands across the tops of their legs.

Range/Habitat: This frog used to be a common resident of the Pacific Northwest lowlands of the Willamette Valley and Puget Sound lowlands. However, with the introduction of the Bullfrog and loss of wetlands these populations have been reduced. Fortunately the Red-Legged Frog still has healthy populations in coastal forests and in the lower elevation foothills of the Cascade Mountains. This frog is found throughout the Pacific Northwest at elevations below 2500 ft.

Notes: Red-Legged Frogs are remarkable jumpers. While they are an aquatic frog, they spend a good deal of time away from water as well. A spooked Red-Legged Frog is capable of reeling off 4 or 5 jumps of 3 feet or more in succession. This can make getting a good picture somewhat challenging.

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