Frog Questions

What's the difference between a frog and a toad?
Frogs usually have smooth, moist skin and spend most of their lives in or near water. Toads usually have dry, warty-looking skin and spend more time living on land.


What do frogs eat?
Frogs and toads are carnivores -- that is, they eat other animals, typically bugs and worms. Frogs are beneficial to humans because they eat so many insect pests. Some large species of frogs, like the African bullfrog, will try to eat just about anything, including other frogs as well as small fish, reptiles, and mammals.


Why do frogs jump?
There are lots of animals (like alligators, snakes, owls, and even people) who think that frogs make tasty snacks. Since frogs don't have sharp teeth or claws to defend themselves against predators, the best thing they can do to avoid being eaten is to escape as quickly as possible when they spot a hungry-looking animal approaching them.


Why do frogs croak?
In most frog species only the males croak. They croak to attract female frogs for breeding, and to warn away other male frogs from their territory. Female frogs think croaking is very sexy.


How do frogs and toads survive in the winter?
They hibernate in burrows or bury themselves in mud. Frogs and toads are cold-blooded and their body processes slow down as the outside temperature drops. Frogs' bodies have some natural antifreeze built into them, but some kinds of frogs who live in especially cold climates can even survive being frozen solid.


Can frogs give you warts?
Don't be silly! Warts are caused by a virus, not by frogs.


What's the biggest kind of frog?
It's the goliath frog that is native to Cameroon in western Africa. These frogs have bodies that are nearly a foot (30 cm) long and legs that are even longer than that! Cane toads (also known as giant toads or marine toads) and various species of bullfrogs also get pretty big.