Do your research. While most frogs will be found near water, you’ll want to know what frogs are in your area if there are any dangerous frogs (poison dart frogs, etc.) in the area, and what their habitat is. Research can also help you find useful tips for finding specific frogs by helping you identify their calls or markings. Many states have websites about their local species.[1] X Research source Look for frogs or newts at night. Most species are nocturnal, so you may not find any in the day. Be careful of other dangerous species during that time. Snakes are often found in similar areas as frogs and newts, especially as many snakes, including the very venomous cottonmouth, will eat some amphibians as part of their diet. Never put your hands where you can't see them. It's a good idea to use a flashlight.[2] X Research source [3] X Research source Using a red flashlight, or covering the flashlight with red plastic wrap or tissue paper will cause minimal disturbance for nocturnal animals.[4] X Research source You can also use night vision goggles. Though night birding is often the most common use for specialty night-vision goggles, they can be useful in seeing frogs and newts as

well.[5] X Research source Look for frogs or newts near ponds or lakes. Most frogs and newts live near water.[6] X Research source When looking for newts it’s also useful to look under rocks and logs.[7] X Research source [8] X Research source Any place where there are ponds or lakes, including forests and meadows may attract different species of frogs.[9] X Research source Look for frogs or newts in the spring and summer. Many species hibernate in the winter. The best time to find them is in the spring or summer. If you live in a colder climate with a late spring or an early fall, summer’s the best bet.[10] X Research source Go canoeing at night or in the evening. A canoe is quieter than a motor boat and will allow you to approach the frogs quietly.[11] X Research source Ponds, lakes and river deltas are all great places to look for frogs and newts. You will often find frogs and newts near the bank or among plant life along the shore.[12] X Research source [13] X Research source If you shine a light on frogs while canoeing, they will often sit completely still.[14] X Research source Be quiet. If you are loud, you will likely scare the frog away. To make your search as quiet as

possible, wear quiet shoes and clothes, walk softly, and refrain from talking while approaching the frog or newt. If there is a group, make sure not too many people try to approach the frogs at once.[15] X Research source Approach slowly. Approaching the frog or newt slowly will help with the quiet, as well as keep the frog or newt from recognizing any visual cues that you’re approaching.[16] X Research source Frogs are able to recognize movement easily.[17] X Research source Newts have very good vision as well, and can even re-grow their eyes if they are damaged![18] X Research source Newts are quieter than frogs, and you may have to look under stones and logs to find them.[19] X Research source Be patient. If you happen to scare the frog or newt away in your first approach, stay quiet and still. The frog will likely return, and there may be other frogs around. If you still hear other frogs, waiting will likely be productive for your search. For the newt, you may have to come back later and look.[20] X Research source Wash your hands thoroughly after you handle a newt or frog. Some species of newt and frog are poisonous, and though it may be safe to touch them, if the toxins get

into your bloodstream or in your mouth, it can be fatal.[21] X Research source Even if they are not toxic, they often carry salmonella. It can make adults sick, and can sometimes be fatal to children under five, older people, and people with weakened immune systems.[22] X Research source You can use hand sanitizer or some other disinfectant.[23] X Research source If you handle a newt, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with water, so that you get all the toxins off.[24] X Research source Don’t harm the newt or frog. It’s important to handle the frog or newt carefully if you handle them, and then gently put them back on the ground. Several newts and frogs are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Be careful if you have a dog or cat around frogs or newts, as they might attempt to eat them, which can be harmful to both the pet and the frog or newt.[25] X Research source