An invasive species is consuming and competing with native species, and is multiplying in several locations around the Puget Sound region. FOX13
WDFW says the frogs pose a serious threat to the environment, having the ability to take over a habitat and either out-compete or consume native species. Similar to bullfrogs, African claw frogs will eat anything they can fit into their mouths, including smaller frogs, fish, birds and snails.
The frogs were originally brought to the United States as pets, and to be used in early pregnancy laboratory tests in the 1940s. WDFW says despite being a prohibited species in Washington, people are still buying them as pets and releasing them into the wild. The department says it is important to limit handling of African clawed frogs, due to the diseases they can carry.
According to the WDFW, African clawed frogs have long life spans, an extended breeding season and reproduce rapidly. They are capable of surviving through severe drought and freezing conditions. African clawed frogs have olive to brown skin, often with blotches or spots. Instead of webbed feet, these frogs have long toes with black claws. When they are tadpoles, they appear similar to catfish with long barbels on each side of their faces.
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