According to the representative of the department, such action was necessary to protect nature. Bullfrogs are voracious predators that can eat anything including mice, snakes, toads, fish. They differ from their counterparts in size and color. The largest specimens reach 0.6 kg. The color varies from green to olive or brown.
For the state, they are an invasive species. Bullfrogs typically inhabit the central and eastern states, but by the time they spread west they already pose a threat to local biodiversity. These predators not only prey on other animals, but also spread new pathogens, particularly a fungus that is deadly to other amphibians. So the authorities have to find unusual ways to deal with them (however, in the United States this practice has been resorted to repeatedly due to the increase in the population of otters or Asian carp).
As The Washington Post noted, catching a frog isn’t that easy. Most of the time, hunting is done at night in order to identify the animals by the brightness of their eyes. According to Greg Jongsm, a professional frog catcher, this requires a headlamp to keep both hands free. You will also need a little perseverance and not be afraid of getting wet and dirty, as they often sit in marshy ponds. The expert advises approaching them from the front as these frogs always jump forward. It is better to grab them by the legs. However, you can also use a fishing rod or nets (but here you need a hunting team).
“It’s fun. I think people will feel like children again if they decide to go on a frog-catching mission and hopefully help local biodiversity by at least keeping the population down,” Jongsma said.
By the way, unlike other types of hunting, you do not need to obtain any licenses and there are no frog hunting seasons.
