Invasive Bullfrogs Threaten Arizona Garter Snakes
State conservation teams are working to remove the predatory bullfrogs that now threaten the local snake population.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Reptiles
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified non-native bullfrogs as a critical threat to the dwindling population of northern Mexican garter snakes in Arizona. These invasive frogs now occupy critical habitats, putting pressure on a species that currently inhabits only 10% of its historical range.
Why it matters
Bullfrogs are decimating garter snake populations by preying on the young and carrying the chytridiomycosis fungus, which threatens the stability of local aquatic ecosystems. This conflict stems from the 1926 introduction of bullfrogs, which has since disrupted native food chains and wildlife health.
Bullfrogs can lay up to 20,000 eggs per clutch, far outstripping the average 13.6 offspring produced by female northern Mexican garter snakes. Conservation efforts across a 10,230-square-mile area now involve targeted removal of bullfrogs to protect the remaining snake habitat.
The players
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
A federal agency tasked with protecting fish, wildlife, and plants through habitat conservation and species management.
State Game Department
The local authority responsible for managing wildlife populations and regulating the introduction of non-native species.
The details
Bullfrogs impact garter snakes by directly preying on smaller individuals and competing for the same limited food sources. Land managers are actively working to curb the bullfrog spread by shooting adults with .22-caliber rifles, using 30-foot seine nets to clear tadpoles from ponds, and periodically draining cattle tanks to eliminate breeding sites.
Timeline
1926: Arizona introduces bullfrogs for food and sport.
1990s: Control programs begin in southern Arizona.
2002: Chiricahua leopard frogs receive threatened status.
2009: Leopard frog tadpoles are introduced to Scotia Canyon.
The Home Front
The aggressive management of invasive species in Arizona mirrors the long-term conservation challenges seen after the 2002 listing of Chiricahua leopard frogs as threatened. State land managers continue to balance ecological restoration against the persistent legacy of 1920s-era non-native species introductions.
If you manage property with ponds or cattle tanks in southern Arizona, observe the local amphibian population to identify potential bullfrog colonization. Always consult a licensed professional or state wildlife authority before attempting to modify or drain natural water features on your land.
The takeaway
Invasive bullfrogs create a high-stakes environment for native garter snakes, requiring active management of local water sources to prevent further habitat loss. Residents should prioritize keeping natural water features clear of invasive species by consulting with local wildlife experts on approved control measures.
Further reading
Learn more about local species conservation in our Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hindustan Times.
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