Rana Cascadae, Cascades Frog

Day 243: You might think that the "cascade" in Rana cascadae's scientific and common names (Cascades Frog) referred to riffles or waterfalls, but in fact it reflects a larger habitat: the Cascade Range. It inhabits higher elevations than the Red-Legged Frog, but in the transition zone where the species overlap, the two can be difficult to tell apart, especially if young specimens of R. aurora are present. Once you move above 4500', it is unlikely that you would find R. aurora. R. cascadae's vertical range extends to 6000', and is limited to a relatively narrow band including the Cascade Crest and Mount Rainier. Sometimes these frogs appear in great numbers and can turn their marshy habitat into a living obstacle course for anyone venturing into their territory. The drum-like reverberation of a human footfall may set the wetland springing as a dozen or more frogs leap to safety.