Photograph by S. Price

The solution to the Bullfrog problem is not simple. Eradication efforts have proven to be very expensive, time consuming and labour intensive. Furthermore, the eradication of established breeding populations does not appear to be possible with current techniques.       It is for these reasons that the Bullfrog Project focuses on prevention, as it is much easier to prevent new populations from developing rather than trying to control them later on. Although Bullfrogs move on their own, most of their spread is caused by people. People release unwanted Bullfrog pets or science projects into the nearest lake or park under the mistaken notion that this is a humane way of discarding live animals. Some peoples also intentionally introduce these large and fascinating frogs into ponds and lakes as live garden ornaments or in a misguided attempt to increase biodiversity.

      Let people know that transporting and releasing Bullfrogs both violates wildlife regulations and puts ecosystems at serious ecological risk. Many backyard ponds and irrigation pools sustain breeding populations of bullfrogs and can also be used as stepping-stones for the colonization of larger habitats.

Our strategy is threefold:

Prevention

      Prevention starts with you! Tell your friends and family about the bullfrog problem. Let people know that transporting and releasing bullfrogs both violates wildlife regulations and puts new ecosystems at serious ecological risk. All it takes is a pair of adult bullfrogs to colonize a new lake.
      If you know of a group that would be interested in hosting a Bullfrog Project presentation, please contact us!

Containment

      If you have bullfrogs living on your property, don’t let them escape! Many backyard ponds and irrigation pools are used as stepping stones to larger habitats and can themselves sustain breeding populations of bullfrogs.

      If you’ve seen or heard bullfrogs, let us know! Identifying migration corridors and high-risk sites requires a clear understanding of where bullfrogs exist and where they might go.

Mitigation

      Restoring landscaped, terraced ponds and damaged wetlands to more natural, varied ecosystems may permit persistence of native frog populations. In particular, consider planting native shrubs along a portion of the shoreline to restore ponds to more natural configurations. Do not convert temporary ponds to permanent ponds with fish. Temporary ponds are one of the most threatened features of our rapidly developing landscape. Consider creating habitat corridors from the wetlands to forested habitats. Preserve riparian vegetation and forest cover to maintain lower water temperatures.