Huge, cannibal invasive frog concerns Georgia wildlife officials: 'This could be a problem'

An invasive frog that can grow as big as a human hand and will eat anything that fits in its mouth is concerning Georgia wildlife officials.

The state's Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division started documenting the Cuban tree frogs in the area in 2023 because they could cause ecological damage, biologist Daniel Sollenberger told the Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network.

He said the frogs probably are being transported there accidentally and breeding in retention ponds or standing water in ditches. They may be coming from Florida, where the population also is growing to invasive levels.

What are the cannibal tree frogs?

Native to Cuba, the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, the Cuban tree frog can measure more than 6 inches long, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Their colors vary from gray to bronze to olive green, and they have noticeably large toe pads.

USGS maps show the frogs have spread outside Georgia, nudging out native species in Florida and popping up as far north as Vermont.

“They start out small, but they can quickly grow as big as your hand,” Sollenberger said. “It's a really big tree frog. They can get three times the size of our next largest native tree frog, which is the barking tree frog.”

Sollenberger said there is "some anecdotal evidence from Florida" that the frogs can reduce populations of native frogs.

"If we want to have some native wildlife left in our yards, this could be a problem," Sollenberger said.

What to do if you see a Cuban tree frog

Despite their range, Sollenberger said, the Cuban tree frogs don't do well with the cold. He believes the frogs are finding warm spots in infrastructure like electrical boxes to stay warm. Plus, global warming has allowed them to survive farther north, according to a study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology.

Sollenberger encourages people to remove standing water from their properties and kill the frogs when they are spotted.

Sollenberger recommends putting the pain relief medication Orajel on the frog's back. Orajel contains benzocaine, a local anesthetic, which will knock it out. A guide by the University of Florida also recommends putting the frog in the freezer for 24 hours to ensure it dies from the benzocaine.

Residents can contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division with possible sightings.

Contributing: Jim Waymer, Florida Today