Made famous by Mark Twain's "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," this is the
largest native frog in the Western United States. It is similar to the Northern Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora)
which replaces it from Mendocino County northward. California is larger and lacks Northern's vocal sacs. California
calls under water while Northern calls in the air. The two were formerly considered to be the same species. California
Red-legged Frog is listed as threatened having declined in response to introduced Bullfrogs and other predators
as well as habitat loss. Formerly more widespread, it is no longer found in Calaveras County. Note the distinct
lateral dorsal folds which help identify this species. Canon PowerShot SX60 HS.Reference:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Recovery Plan for the California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. viii + 173 pp. https://www.fws.gov/arcata/es/amphibians/crlf/documents/020528.pdf