The Bayou Frog! Another Critter Friend...

  While most frogs cannot survive in saltwater, the Southern Leopard Frog does well in the brackish waters of the Bayou.  This frog has adapted to living in the occasionally semi-salty water and marsh.  Other frogs will die quickly if tossed in such an area.  The Southern Leopard Frog not only survives but thrives here.  Not only has it adapted to living in the harsh climate of the marsh, its diet has changed, as well.  It still dines upon insects but has been seen munching on minnows.  Anything smaller than the frog, itself, is fair game.

  Yesterday, Mark and I made our way to the pier to check the crab traps and soft-shell boxes.  Once these were baited, we made our way back up the pier.  An incoming squall had cut our fishing wishes to the bone so we might as well head to the house.  Following behind Mark as we made our way, I noticed that we had a small visitor at the end of the pier.  Just before stepping off onto dry ground, I noticed a Southern Leopard frog in the tall grass.  The critter was enjoying his breakfast but it seems that his choice of the main course was fighting back. Our froggy friend had decided that crab was on the menu!

  The frog had ahold to one of the Fiddler Crab's claws while the other claw was frantically being flailed in attack.  The smart frog had at least had the commonsense to grab the larger claw as the tiny one would not do as much damage to the frog's tough skin.  

  I am not sure if Fiddler Crabs are a mainstay of the Southern Leopard Frog's diet but our friend was sure going to give it a try!  The Bayou Frog is here to stay....at least, until something larger finds him to be a tasty treat.