Wildlife Wednesday 09/03/2025
Hoppy #WildlifeWednesday!
The gray tree frog is an arboreal frog common throughout the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Found in woodlands, this nocturnal creature hunts in the understory of the forest and in shrubs. Prey consists of insects, slugs, snails, spiders, and occasionally smaller frogs.
This amazing amphibian is able to change its color in response to its environment and activities and can vary from shades of gray to green to brown. The upper portion of its body has a blotchy pattern that resembles lichen and its skin is bumpy in texture, adding to its ability to camouflage itself in trees.
While they are able to hop and leap, the gray tree frog is especially known for its acrobatic climbing skills. The tips of their toes have special pads, adapted to function as suction cups. The structure of the pads along with the mucus secreted from them allows for strong adhesion, and the frogs are able to cling to a variety of surfaces, even vertically and upside down.
The gray tree frog is extremely cold tolerant, and can survive freezing temperatures by producing a natural antifreeze of glycerol in their bodies, preventing cell damage. Their bodies essentially freeze solid during the winter, and then thaw in the spring.
Males emit loud musical calls after dusk, typically to establish territory and attract a mate.
Don’t miss our Enchanted Forest event, where this terrific tree frog will be one of the many colorful characters to encounter on the trail!