Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2426808
Northern Red-legged Frog
Rana auroraAlso known as Red-legged Frog
Northern red-legged frogs spend much of their adult lives away from water, roaming damp Pacific Northwest coniferous forests before returning to peaceful ponds each winter to breed. Males call from submerged locations deep underwater, producing quiet, duck-like clucking sounds that barely travel above the surface. Bright salmon-red coloration on the underside of their hind legs flashes vividly when leaping to escape predators.
AmphibianPacific NorthwestSecretive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Slugs
Predators
- Garter Snakes
- Herons
- Invasive Bullfrogs
ThreatsInvasive bullfrogs, habitat loss, water pollution, and disease
HabitatsMoist coniferous forests, swamps, marshes, and slow streams
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyRanidae
- SpeciesRana aurora
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a dark facial mask, light jaw stripe, and translucent red under-thighs in damp coastal woodlands.
- Support conservation
- Observe from pond margins during breeding season to avoid crushing delicate submerged egg masses.
Responsible observation
- Listen carefully: Male mating calls occur underwater and sound like soft, duck-like grunts.
- Mind the trail: Adults forage far from ponds on moist forest floors during rainy seasons.
- Avoid handling: Skin easily absorbs toxins, lotions, and soaps from human hands.
Competitor & Predator Carl D. Howe / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Predator Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Greg Schechter, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative
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