Pine Barrens Tree Frog herping in NJ

[CtHerper]

Hello. I've been a long time reader of the site and finally decided to make an account. I had a question about observing Hyla Andersonii in their natural habit in the Pine Barrens of NJ. I've been here countless time and have encountered many species of frogs, snakes, salamanders, lizard etc. I've heard the PBTFs calling on several occasion, but have never been able to get to them to take a picture as they're always very high up. I know giving away herping spots is a sin to most herpers, but are there any tips or perhaps better locations in South Jersey for observing these beautiful frogs? Last summer I found a half tadpole half frog that looked very much like either a Gray Tree Frog or a Pine Barrens Tree Frog. It was found in a spot notorious for the PBTFs. I do have a picture or 2 that I'll try and find and post. Any comments and advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[teslas intern]

Well, if you have permission from the land owner, you could put up a few PVC pipe traps and possibly catch a few when they are moving around during breeding season, and then pose them for photo's. My dad is a photographer, and he'd be appalled that I just told you that mind you, but aside from learning to climb (or fly) I don't see how you will get to them. I'd never heard of the PBTF, they are beautiful little buggers!

[CtHerper]

Hello and thanks for the reply! They are some of the most beautiful frogs in America, in my opinion. For the PVC pipe trap, would I lay that kind of submerged in a shallow pool of water? Or put a little bit of water on the bottom? I've found public grounds where I've heard them calling, but it was not until almost 11pm and I was getting tired. This spring I'm pretty determined to find 1! A picture (or 100!) would be amazing.

[teslas intern]

I've seen this method used to capture invasive species in Hawaii, but they actually take a pipe, just big enough for the froggies to fit in, and they either tie them to the tree trunks, or the stab them into the dirt around the bank so they stick up. Control of Coqui Frog in Hawai'i I've tried it to catch gray tree frogs with no success, but it was the wrong time of year, and my pipes were probably too big... Who knows, you might get lucky!

[CtHerper]

Thanks for your help! I would of never guessed that in years. They just go inside? Reading your link, I noticed they used some fly food to lure flies to attract the frogs. Maybe I could do that somehow. Anyway thanks again!

[teslas intern]

Yup, they just go inside. Keep in mind this probably does count as trapping if you use bait, and their may be legal implications even if release is your intent. You should check your local laws.