American Green Tree Frog

Green Tree Frog
Louisiana State Amphibian

Adopting A State Amphibian Not As Easy As It Seems , Even If It’s Easy Being Green

Apparently, Kermit the Frog was modeled after the American Green Tree Frog; it makes sense, he was always in the swamp, playing guitar, and I can see the facial similarities.  The Green Tree Frog’s notoriety and fame came easier than its place as Louisiana’s State Amphibian, however.

Back in April ’93, Senate Bill 435 was introduced by Louisiana State Senators Johnson and Hainkel to promote the adoption of the green tree frog as the official state amphibian of Louisiana.  The bill was the result of a contest held at the Louisiana Nature and Science Center, where student visitors voted for their favorite amphibian.

On its way to final approval, an amendment to Senate Bill 435 was introduced by Senator Crain. (cue dramatic theme)  The amendment replaced the green tree frog with the bullfrog.  Senator Cox jumped in the arena to suggest that the alligator would be a more suitable symbol.  He changed his opinion when he came to the realization that alligators were reptiles and not amphibians.

Although the amendment to replace the green tree frog with a bullfrog was approved, it was later overridden when Senator Johnson proposed another amendment to restore the green tree frog to Senate Bill 435.  Senator “Bullfrog” Crain was absent from the Senate at the time of this vote.  There is some speculation that he was attending the Calaveras County Jumping Frog Contest.

On May 13, 1993, the Louisiana Senate voted 30-7 to adopt the green tree frog as the official state amphibian of Louisiana.  The bill went on to the House for approval.  There was more bad noise in the House, and the bill failed to pass on June 4.  Noting that 24 members of the House were absent for the vote, the bill was re-submitted to a vote on June 9.  The House voted 56-42 to adopt the green tree frog as the official state amphibian of Louisiana, after a 3 month legislative journey.  On June 22, 1993, the legislation was signed by Governor Edwin Edwards.

Kermit the Frog received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002 with no controversy. We may never know if Kermit has an opinion on the difficulty the green tree frog faced in its adoption as Louisiana state amphibian, but this is a shining example of classic political sabotage with amphibian racial overtones.   If they spent three months trying to decide on a state frog, what happens with serious issues?  At least someone learned that the alligator is a reptile.