Bull frogs have very large tadpoles that have a very soft, velvety feel. They are fat and slow. They are usually in the tadpole stage for 2 years before turning into adults.

The adults make the very recognizable Rum-Rum-Rum sound. It is a pleasant, relaxing sound to hear at night. I hate to see them wiped out by hungry fish.

That said, what are some ways to protect some of the frogs and toads? A friend of mine wants to fence off a small bay so the bigger fish can't get in and eat the adults and tadpoles. Unfortunatley, there is no way to educate the toads and frogs to stay within the "safe zone".

Another way of accomplishing the same thing may be to add a smaller shallow pond with no fish stocked in it that is right next to the main pond or attached with a very shallow channel that won't let the bigger fish in. Again, there is no way to make sure the frogs and toads will stay in the safe area. At least if there is an earth barrier, the tadpoles can't enter the main pond.

Frederick M. Minnich