Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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A Story of the American Bullfrog. American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus, used to be Rana sp.) Were introduced into California in the late 1800's (1896?). The main thrust was to form a basis for a new food industry! In addition, thoughts featured the pet industry and recreational purposes. During the Gold Rush, miners ate up to 80,000 Red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii) a year. This nearly wiped out that native population of frog, Thus, the concept for a new food industry in the State. But hungry miners are not a model to be used for a less hungry general population. Frog legs were commonly consumed pre-1900 and thousands of pounds Were even annually harvested and exported throughout the US. When the demand for frog meat was not realized, The captive frogs were released into the wild, causing ecological havoc, By disrupting the delicate balance of California's ecosystems. Female Bullfrogs lay clutches of up to 20,000 eggs, twice a year. These frogs consume a wide range of prey, including Aquatic eggs, insects, fish, birds (including young ducklings) and small mammals, Some of which are native species, already threatened or endangered. Bullfrogs are carriers of chytridiomycosis which has devastated amphibians worldwide. Their presence has led to changes in nutrient cycling and water quality. Bullfrogs are so adaptable, that it is difficult to manage control. Just the cost to the State attempting control has been very expensive. On a positive note, these frogs are now used in research, Studying developmental biology, physiology, and ecology. When introducing a non-native species of any kind, one must always be aware Of the unintended consequences which may result. (Note: I first looked into this introduced species, Suspecting that the Calaveras Frog Jumping Contest May have been the source for this introduction, But the Contest was just part of the whole phenomenon.) Frank Maurer 30 July 2025 1020 Hours.