The northern leopard frog is one of the most widely distributed amphibians in North America. Recently, however, declines in the populations of this species have been reported from throughout North America, including the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, museum records indicate that the leopard frog inhabited at least 18 general areas in eastern Washington, many of these along the Columbia River and its major tributaries. They may range widely into a wide variety of habitats, even hay fields and grassy woodlands, but apparently require a high degree of vegetative cover for concealment. Leopard frogs require permanent deep water for overwintering, in proximity to seasonal ponds and wetlands for breeding.
Tadpoles feed on algae, rotting vegetation, and detritus.
Northern leopard frogs breed in spring, soon after ice and snow have disappeared, usually in March or April, but this varies with altitude and latitude. Males arrive at ponds first and females follow generally 5-7 days later. Egg masses are typically attached to emergent vegetation, including sedges or rushes, but can be unattached. The majority of the mortality among leopard frogs occurs in the tadpole stage. Waterfowl, fish, bullfrogs and aquatic insects are thought to be responsible for much of this mortality.