Lithobates catesbeianus, commonly known as the American bullfrog, is native to North America, particularly the eastern United States and parts of southeastern Canada. Its natural range extends from Nova Scotia to central Florida, and westward to the Great Plains, including states such as Texas and Oklahoma.

The American bullfrog is typically found in a variety of aquatic environments, including ponds, swamps, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It prefers warm, shallow water with abundant vegetation. As an amphibian, it thrives in temperate climates that provide both aquatic and terrestrial habitats for different life stages.

As a generalist predator, the American bullfrog occupies a critical ecological niche in its habitat. It preys on a wide array of organisms, such as insects, small mammals, birds, and other amphibians, contributing to the control of these populations. Its presence can have a significant impact on local ecosystems, especially where it has been introduced outside its native range.