Fauna
Amphibian

Barking Tree Frog

Hyla gratiosa

Also known as Bell Frog, Georgia Tree Frog

Barking tree frogs are the largest native tree frogs in the United States, celebrated for their stout, rounded bodies and distinctively spotted skin. They spend hot summer days high in the pine canopy, descending to ephemeral ponds at night to breed and chorusing with a loud, hollow call that sounds remarkably like a distant pack of barking hounds. During dry spells, they burrow into sandy soil or hide beneath damp logs to conserve moisture.

NocturnalArborealVocal
Barking Tree Frog reference
"Barking Tree Frog on a Cypress" by BigCypressNPS is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/. · cc0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCrickets, Beetles, Moths
Predators
  • Ribbon snakes
  • Crows
  • Wading birds
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, loss of temporary breeding ponds, and fire suppression
HabitatsLongleaf pine flatwoods, oak scrub, and ephemeral wetlands
Life span5 to 10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyHylidae
  2. SpeciesHyla gratiosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a plump, green or brown body covered in dark, evenly spaced circular spots and a white stripe along the lip.
Support conservation
Avoid disturbing breeding pools and report sightings to local wildlife agencies in northern states.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for the chorus: Scan breeding ponds on warm, rainy summer nights when males call from the water.
  • Look up: Search the trunks of pine trees near water sources during the day for resting individuals.
  • Handle with wet hands: Keep hands moist and free of lotion if you must touch them to protect their sensitive skin.
Related species
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