Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Any tips on how to find a tree frog in the wild?

Im sure it depends on location. I live in the desert, so I just head for some water. I drive around and listen for the calls and zero in on where they congregate. One area was a cement hole maybe 2X6 that was pretty deep, but I was able to catch frogs easily when they hit the surface. It was pretty cold, I think March. Find out when your local species mate, and look in wet areas after dark and follow the calls. After dark is pretty key for most species Im sure.

Good luck!

usually after it rains they are most vocal. the males make all the noise so if you hear one there is probably females around too. the place i found the most once (8) was on the underside of a big party tent after it rained. its pretty hard to find them in the trees.

I've caught grey tree frogs at night using a spotlighting technique. It takes forever, as you have to locate the source of the call, and then to find one that's low enough to catch. Once you locate one, shine the flashlight in it's eyes until you can get close enough to grab it. You can't be shy, and you have to be quick. But it is fun.

An easier way is to catch them breeding in the water. That's how the people who collect them for the pet trade do it. Again, a flashlight helps so the frog can't see you.

Best of luck.