Mink Frog
Lithobates septentrionalis
NH Conservation Status: Wildlife Action Plan Species in Greatest Need of Conservation.
State Rank Status: Vulnerable to extirpation
Distribution: Extreme Northern NH, north of the White Mountains.
Description: A 1.5-3 inch greenish frog marked with irregular spots of molting along the back and hind legs. Often lacks ridges (but not always). When handled the mink frog may emit a strong “rotten onion” smelling odor. Webbing on toes of hind feet extends to last joint of 4th toe and to tip of 5th toe.
Commonly Confused Species: Green frog
Habitat: Found in cold water often on the borders of lakes and ponds and points where streams run into them. Often found in shallow open water with emergent vegetation, especially lily pads and pickerelweed.
Life History: Attaches a few thousand eggs to submerged aquatic vegetation during summer. Hibernates in deep permanent water.
Voice: A deep, low-pitched cut-cut-cut-cut-cut.
Conservation Threats: Water pollution, acid precipitation