Cuban treefrog

Cuban tree frogs are an invasive species in Georgia and compete for resources with the state's native frogs — including eating them.

Credit: Denise Gregoire, US Geological Survey

Georgia wildlife scientists are urging people to watch out for an invasive kind of frog. 

The first confirmed Cuban Tree Frog in Georgia was spotted more than 15 years ago, but the Department of Natural Resources has gotten more reports of them recently.

They pose a threat to the state’s native tree frogs because they compete for resources — and, according to wildlife biologist Eamonn Leonard, are highly carnivorous, eating other tree frogs.

 

Georgia Outdoor's host Sharon Collins spoke with wildlife biologist Eamonn Leonard about concerns around the increasing numbers of the invasive Cuban tree frogs who are eating Georgia's native frogs.

 

 

Wildlife biologist Daniel Sollenberger said you can identify the invasive frogs because of their size.

“They are much larger than any of our native frogs,” he said. “They can cover your hand. Not just your palm, but a good bit of your whole hand.”

They also often have warts, more like toads, and have oversized toe pads.

If you think you see one, Sollenberger said to capture it in a clear container, take a photo and contact DNR. Photos can be emailed to him directly at daniel.sollenberger@dnr.ga.gov.

Tags: invasive species  frogs  wildlife  Environment  ecology  Georgia  Atlanta  Macon  Savannah