Mink Frog

(Rana septentrionalis)

NH Conservation Status: Wildlife Action Plan Species in Greatest Need of Conservation. (Click here to download the Reptiles and Amphibians section of the NH Wildlife Action Plan. (PDF, 1.5 MB.) Mink frog is on page 48.)

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

Distribution map: Click here for a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH

Mink frog call - click "play" triangle to listen:
Mink frogs can often be seen on lily pads in northern ponds and lakes. Photo by Pauline Quesnelle	Mink frogs have irregular dark molting on their back and legs. Photo - USGS