Channahon, IL – A rare blue American bullfrog with a genetic mutation was spotted this week in a Will County forest preserve, marking an extraordinary discovery in Midwest wildlife.
The bullfrog, an unusually bright blue instead of the typical green, was seen over the weekend at McKinley Woods in Channahon. Nature photographer Jen Carusi captured the image and shared it with the Forest Preserve District of Will County, which confirmed the sighting Tuesday through its official Facebook page.
According to the Forest Preserve District, blue bullfrogs are incredibly rare due to a genetic mutation that eliminates yellow pigmentation, which typically combines with blue to create green. Without the yellow, the amphibian appears a vivid blue — a condition considered a “one-in-a-million” find by experts following a similar sighting in Ohio in 2020.
Carusi told the Forest Preserve she initially thought the frog’s color was a lighting trick as it rested in brown algae. “I thought it was maybe from the colors,” she said in a statement shared by the District. “I also thought maybe it was a juvenile. I do not know much about frogs.”
She later learned from friends that the photo she captured was something quite rare.
The mutation is uncommon, more so than albinism or leucism, according to research published in the Belgian Journal of Zoology. Experts note that while visually stunning, the blue coloring offers no camouflage, leaving the frog more vulnerable to predators.
Carusi said she often explores local preserves several times a week with her camera, always hoping to find something unexpected. “When you slow down and really take the time to look for things in nature, you can discover some very cool things,” she said.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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