During recent fish capture and relocation work along Tibbetts Creek in Issaquah to allow removal of accumulated sediment from a sediment pond, we captured a frog that we were unable to identify in the field, even though we did some internet searching on a cell phone. Further internet searching indicated that it was probably an African Clawed Frog (see photo below), which is considered an invasive species. These frogs are kept in aquariums and then some apparently get loose or are let go. See https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/african-clawed-frog/. Also, https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/invasive/xenopus-laevis.
We reported the sighting on the Washington Invasive Species Council website (first link) which asks that sightings of this frog and other invasive wildlife species be reported along with other relevant information. They followed up with information to help us and the City ensure that the frog did not expand its distribution.
Even though these frogs are native to Africa, they can readily adapt to and thrive in temperate climates. They are now found in freshwater areas all over the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom, attesting to their ability to live in temperate climates, outside of Africa. They are capable of surviving both severe drought and freezing conditions. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has confirmed African Clawed Frog infestations in two locations in Washington State: in storm water ponds near Lacey and in a storm water pond near Bothell. In both instances, the department believes the frog populations initially were established due to people dumping aquarium pets into the ponds.
African Clawed Frog from Tibbetts Creek. 7/28/20
Even though our specimen was found in a gravelly, flowing stream, they are not usually found in such running streams. Rather, they prefer warm, stagnant ponds and slow-moving, moat-like streams. Washington’s native frog species breed in water but spend much of their adult lives on land. The African Clawed Frog differs in that it is almost totally aquatic, leaving the water only when circumstances force it to.
Similar to bullfrogs, African Clawed Frogs will eat anything that will fit into their mouths including other frogs, fish, birds and snails. This species of frog can take over a habitat, and either out-compete or consume native species of frogs and fish. They are also carriers of diseases that are harmful to amphibians and fish.
African clawed frogs are classified as a Prohibited Aquatic Animal Species in Washington, meaning they may not be possessed, purchased, sold, propagated, transported, or released into state waters. Please do no acquire these frogs as pets. If you already have any, take great care in making sure they are not released into the wild. If you observe African clawed frogs or any other known or suspected aquatic invasive species in a previously unreported waterbody, please report the sighting to WDFW or the Washington Invasives Species Council at the link above.
