Like all amphibian species, populations of frogs and toads have been on the decline for decades. However, 17 species – 14 frogs and 3 toads – are still represented in Pennsylvania.

The fossil skull of Kermitops (left) alongside a modern frog skull (Lithobates palustris, right). Kermitops is notable for more than just its namesake puppet persona. The early fossil record of ...

Spring peepers come early. The spring peepers normally hop to the breeding sites when the temperature starts topping 40 degrees, usually around mid-April, Dana Wilde writes.

Pickerel frogs (Lithobates palustris) are medium-sized, gray or tan, and can be recognized by the seven to 21 irregular rectangular dark brown spots on their back.

Pickerel frogs are commonly misidentified as leopard frogs; that's what I thought these were until I bothered to look them up. Once you know what to look for, it's relatively easy to tell them apart.