Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: The 14 species of toads and frogs found in Minnesota are grouped into three families: toads, treefrogs, and true frogs.
This page lists 14 species.
Which frogs and toads can hurt you
Official sources single out these frogs and toads in Minnesota, in their own words:
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Size
Usually 6 to 8 inches long (NCWRC); can reach 8 inches or more and weigh over 2 pounds (CDFW). Missouri gives 3.5 to 6 inches snout to vent, occasionally to 8.75.
How to recognize it
No ridge (dorsolateral fold) down each side of the back
Large round eardrum: about twice the eye in males, about eye-sized in females
Fully webbed hind feet, longest toe extends past the webbing
What the sources say
Habitat: This highly aquatic frog prefers permanent bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, sluggish streams, and backwaters of rivers. This species is only native to the southeastern corner of the state though they have been introduced outside of their native range in various areas of the state. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Size
2 to 3.5 inches long (NCWRC: up to 4 inches); females are larger than males.
How to recognize it
Dark spots on the back hold only a few large warts; the similar Fowler's toad has three or more. Agencies give different counts for the American toad (TWRA: one or two; Ohio DNR: one, two or three; Georgia DNR: usually no more than one), so wart count alone does not settle it; check the head crests too (see lookalikes).
A large, kidney- or bean-shaped parotoid gland behind each eye that usually does not touch the bony ridge (cranial crest) above the eye, or touches it only by a short spur.
Enlarged warts on the lower leg.
JFMAMJJASOND
531 records by month.What the sources say
Habitat: While this species is most often associated with forest and woodland habitat, it also occupies grasslands, residential yards, and gardens. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
Habitat: More aquatic than most toads, typically found in or near the margins of prairie wetlands. Capable of tolerating extreme heat by remaining dormant for several days. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No confirmed photo of Cope's gray treefrog
Cope's gray treefrog
Hyla chrysoscelis
Not stated
Venom
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: Associated with a variety of habitats, including urban environments, but often found in grasslands or forest edges. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Size
Small: body usually 1¼ to 2½ inches long (snout to vent); Tennessee gives 1.25 to 2 inches.
How to recognize it
Large white or gray spot below each eye
Warty (granular) skin and sticky pads on fingers and toes
Bright orange or golden yellow on the underside of each hind leg, shown as a flash color
JFMAMJJASOND
88 records by month.What the sources say
Habitat: Closely associated with woodland and forest habitats. Often found in residential areas where it may be seen on windows feeding on insects attracted to lights. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
Habitat: An accomplished burrower, this species may hide underground during the day or for extended periods of extreme heat or drought. Prefers wide open spaces, occupying grasslands and agricultural fields of western Minnesota. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
JFMAMJJASOND
226 records by month.What the sources say
Habitat: This highly aquatic species is often associated with streams and ditches, although it also inhabits shallow water of lakes and ponds. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: Inhabits borders of forested ponds and lakes where water lilies are plentiful. Individuals frequently move about by hopping from pad to pad. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
JFMAMJJASOND
306 records by month.What the sources say
Habitat: A frog frequently found in grasslands, wet meadows, and forest edges. During the summer they may travel one to two miles from water. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
About 1.75 to 3 inches long; large females reach about 3.5 inches. Males are smaller than females.
How to recognize it
Two rows of square or rectangular dark spots down the back between two light ridges (dorsolateral folds); spots sometimes merge into bars
Bright yellow or orange on the hidden inner surfaces of the hind legs and groin
No white spot on the eardrum (tympanum), unlike the southern leopard frog
What the sources say
Habitat: Inhabits cool, clear water of wooded streams with a dense forest canopy. Feeds in grassy openings adjacent to streams. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Size
Adults 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches snout to vent, occasionally to 1 1/2 inches; males are smaller than females.
How to recognize it
Clear, high-pitched peep about once per second; a chorus can sound like small jingle bells
Adhesive pads on the tips of fingers and toes
Some individuals have little to no markings
JFMAMJJASOND
127 records by month.What the sources say
Habitat: Inhabits forested areas, especially areas with brushy undergrowth. May be heard calling in the fall. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: Associated with a variety of habitats, including urban environments, but often found in grasslands or forest edges. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
Maine IF&W lists the spring peeper's distinguishing characteristics: Maine's smallest frog (about 0.8 to 1.5 inches), grayish- or orangish-brown above with a distinct dark X on the back, and smooth skin; it notes it is commonly confused with the gray treefrog.
Green frog (young; including bronze color form) Not stated
MDC: young green frogs can be similar in color but lack the dark brown mask through each eye.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When frogs and toads are active in Minnesota
Records of frogs and toads in Minnesota peak in May to August. They show when people record frogs and toads, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
1,907 records of frogs and toads in Minnesota by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
How to report
Invasive insects (emerald ash borer, spongy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, brown marmorated stink bug): Minnesota Department of Agriculture "Report a Pest" line 1-888-545-6684. Invasive vertebrates (mute swans, Eurasian swine/wild pigs): the DNR Invasive Species Program and your local conservation officer or wildlife office. Aquatic invasives: your local DNR invasive species specialist. Cougar sightings: the nearest DNR area wildlife office or conservation officer. General DNR line: 888-646-6367. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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