Paco Dennis
SF VIP
- Location
- Mid-Missouri
"Frogs are known for their distinctive mating calls, but why do they scream? Keep reading to learn more about this surprising behavior.
When threatened, some frogs emit a sound that many describe as screaming. Most often frogs scream to scare away predators and distract them. However, different frog species have different defense mechanisms, therefore, species use their ability to scream for different reasons.
When a frog screams it can resemble the sound of a crying child, begging the question -why? Biologists speculate that the scream may be more than a deterrent to scare predators away and could also serve alternative functions in protecting the frog. Today we’ll be discussing the facts behind why frogs scream, special qualities of screaming frogs, and theories associated with this defensive instinct.
Facts and Findings on Why Frogs Scream
It’s been observed that many frogs will vocalize when they are threatened, captured, touched, or held. The types of vocalizations can vary by species and its common to meet a screaming frog in many parts of the world, making this aggressive behavior a widespread phenomenon.
When a frog screams its communicating that it feels threatened and wants out of the current situation. (As opposed to a mating call, only used in breeding season when courting other frogs.) Often a frog will scream when cornered in its habitat, in the hands of a keeper, or in the jaws of a predator. There are other behaviors frogs exhibit when they feel intimidated but screaming is one of the most effective tools a frog has when competing with a larger animal.
Unlike toads, most species of frog don’t possess toxic glands as a defense mechanism. While some frogs are equipped with stunning patterns and colors to warn a potential predator, frogs that scream are often camouflaged. When screaming achieves the desired effect it allows the frog an opportunity to hide or flee to safety.
Video evidence of screaming frogs is abundant and showcases wild captured and captive bred animals demonstrating the behavior. Dissimilar to a mating call or croak, the scream is not a distinctly amphibian sound. It’s not uncommon for people who are unaware of the frogs’ unique ability to mistake the frog screams for human baby cries.
The shrill nature of the scream is not only effective at deterring predators- it can also startle an attacker into releasing the frog if it has already been caught. A captured frog does not have very many options so screaming is one way they can distract the animal trying to eat them. Screaming suddenly while in a predator’s mouth can startle the predator into letting go of the frog and create a window for escape."
6 minute read
Screaming Frogs
