They’re slippery, green, cold-blooded and will stop at nothing to win. Yes these ambitious amphibians are battling it out to be crowned the winner of the annual jumping frog jubilee.
The slippery event is held annually as part of the Calaveras County Fair in California, and sees entrants from all over the country compete.
Each frog is “jockeyed” by a handler and winners receive a trophy, $750 and a plaque honouring the jockey and their frog on the Angels Camp pavement – a stretch of town now known as the “frog hop of fame”, according to the city's official site.
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The first competitive frog jumping event occurred in 1928 and was inspired by the Mark Twain story The Celebrated Jumping Frog Of Calaveras County.
Around 15,000 people attended the event, which also incorporated a parade featuring bands, wagons and floats. It has been held every year since, with the exception of during the great depression of 1933.
The current world record was set in 1986 by Rosie the Ribeter, who jumped an astonishing 21’ 5 3/4, Frogtown.org reports.
The cash prize for breaking Rosie’s record is $5,000.
Rules for the contest state each frog must measure at least four inches from nose to toes.
Entrants are warned: “Evidence of jumping the same frog twice will result in disqualification and forfeiture of prizes.”
The results of this year’s competition can be viewed here.
Literature on the official website stresses the frogs are treated “with the utmost care and respect” and points out the California Fish and Game Commission has been involved in proceedings since 1933.