Thousands Of Singing Spring Peepers Are A Welcome Sound Of Normalcy Here In Oklahoma

With all the uncertainty going on in the world right now, isn't it nice to welcome a sound of normalcy here in the Sooner State? Spring in Oklahoma is such an amazing time - greenery, flowers, and animals all combine to create so much beauty. One of our favorite things signifying the arrival of spring is the spring peepers sound. But exactly what are peepers? They're a type of frog that are so prevalent in some parts of the state that many people believe they should be the Oklahoma state frog! Keep reading to learn more about these small frogs that are full of melody (and adorableness):

The spring peeper is Pseudacris crucifer, a small chorus frog found throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Their name stems from their chirping call that marks the beginning of spring.

Do spring peepers live in Oklahoma? There are spring peepers in Oklahoma (mostly in our eastern counties), but due to their small size, you're more likely to hear them than see them. They're only about one inch long, so they're extremely hard to spot.

In fact, they are much easier to find based on the spring peeper sounds rather than appearance. The peepers generally breed close to dusk and throughout the evening and early morning hours. Their calls can be heard from as far as one to two and a half miles, depending on how many there are.

Most of the time, they blend right in with nature but if you do spot one, you'll easily recognize it based on the dark brown X on its back.

Spring Peepers will change color relative to their immediate surroundings. Overall skin color, as well as markings, will lighten and darken depending on surrounding colors and temperatures.

For many Oklahomans, the spring peeper sound is a welcomed noise of normalcy in the state that might be just what we need during these uncertain times.

When do spring peepers come out? You're most likely to hear them at the beginning of spring as the weather starts to change, so keep an ear out over the next few weeks.

Have you ever heard spring peepers in Oklahoma? If you live in the eastern part of the state, it's likely that you have. If you're not sure, here's a recording of the spring peeper sound:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwVEI5M-948&themeRefresh=1

There is so much amazing (and diverse!) wildlife in Oklahoma. If you're a fan of critters in the Sooner State, we've got a treat for you: check out these fabulous photos of animals in Oklahoma.