The low humming sound of hundreds of male Bullfrogs "jug-o-rumming" on their breeding grounds fills the air this time of year. So energized are these frogs that singing occurs during the day time as well as at night.
While attracting a mate is one reason for this serenade, establishing a territory is the initial objective. According to Tom Tyning (Stokes Guide To Amphibians and Reptiles) a male Bullfrog's territory is a circular area that may be anywhere from six to twenty feet in diameter. Males who are singing have established territories and tend to be the largest and oldest individuals. Should another male challenge a resident Bullfrog, there can be physical altercations in the form of wrestling matches in which males hold each other and attempt to gouge each other with their thumbs.
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