Frogs and Toads Alaska
Alaska has a limited number of frogs and toads because of the cold but they still have a few. If you need help identifying the frogs and toads of Alaska, check out to contact me on the frog identification page.
Feel free to also check out the Salamanders and Newts of Alaska.
Frogs of Alaska
True Frogs – Ranidae
Alaska has only three true frog species and they are relatively easy to tell apart. These frogs are generally found near or in bodies of water.
Common Name: Columbia Spotted Frog
Scientific Name: Rana luteiventris
Location: Southeast
Breeding Season: After the snow melts
The Columbia Spotted Frog is a medium sized frog varying in color from gray, brown, olive, to green with small spots that aren’t filled all over their bodies. The undersides of their legs and belly are red to pink.
Common Name: Wood Frog
Scientific Name: Rana sylvatica
Location: Southern Alaska up to Central Alaska
Breeding Season: After the snow melts
The Wood Frog is a s small to medium sized frog. They vary in color from brown, silver, or red and they have dark “raccoon” eyes. When winter comes, the Wood Frog can freeze completely solid and then unthaw in spring. They start to breed once the ice is off the ponds in late March / early April. After breeding season, they are often found in the woods, far away from any water bodies.
Toads of Alaska
True Toad Family – Bufonidae
Alaska only has one toad species, the Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas).
Common Name: Western Toad
Scientific Name: Anaxyrus boreas
Location: Southeastern Alaska
Breeding Season: Late April to July
The Western Toad is a medium sized toad with warty skin that’s green, gray, or brown in color. They have a thin white line that runs between their eyes down their back. The toad also lacks a cranial crest.
Non-Native / Invasive Species of Alaska
Common Name: Northern Red-legged Frog
Scientific Name: Rana aurora
Location: Chichagof Island
Breeding Season: Late winter / early spring
The Northern Red-legged Frog is actually an invasive species in the state of Alaska. They were introduced in the 1980s. They are a medium sized frog that is tan, brown, or olive color with a red belly that is spotted. Their dorsal ridge extends on the way down their back.
Common Name: Pacific Chorus Frog
Scientific Name: Pseudacris regilla
Location: near Ward Lake in Ketchikan but the population is probably wiped out
Breeding Season: Spring
The Pacific Tree Frog is a small frog, ranging in color from green, red, brown or gray. A dark stripe extends from their snout through their eye and down their side.
The Pacific Chorus Frog is the only tree frog in the state of Alaska. They are not actually native to the state, they were accidentally brought into the state by Christmas trees.
