Wood Frog

How to identify

• Dark mask through the eye and along the jaw — 'robber's mask'
• Tan, brown, or reddish-brown above
• White or cream belly
• Dorsolateral ridges present
• Medium size, 1.4–3.3 inches

About this species

The wood frog is Virginia's earliest breeding frog, often calling from vernal pools while snow is still on the ground. Their distinctive 'duck-like quacking' chorus can be heard in late winter and early spring, then they disappear entirely into the forest floor for the rest of the year. The dark mask through the eye is unmistakable.

Often confused with

Did you know

"Wood frogs survive winter by freezing solid — their hearts stop, breathing ceases, and up to 65% of their body water turns to ice. Come spring, they thaw and hop away."

Sightings & citizen science

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