Thanks to the lobbying force of a fourth-grade class from Plymouth, North Carolina legislators have passed a bill in the House to name the bullfrog the state amphibean — a move that would elevate this lowly resident to the higher status enjoyed by the Fraser fir (state Christmas tree), Southern Appalachian brook trout (state freshwater trout) and Eastern box turtle (state reptile).
But as the bill moved to Senate committee, according to a report in The News and Observer, the N.C. Herpetological Society spoke up to declare that a commoner like the bullfrog doesn’t deserve such elevation. The society offered some more original choices for consideration, including several illustrious salamanders: the Neuse River waterdog, Yonahlossee salamander (first discovered in this state), Eastern hellbender and the marbled salamander. The Carolina gopher frog also made their list of suggested options.
You can let the Senate know who you want to kiss here.
— Nelda Holder, news and opinion editor
