N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
Tennessee

From Appalachian peaks to Mississippi wetlands, Tennessee is a wildlife crossroads where black bears, rare salamanders, and vast bird migrations converge.
236 Species
106,798 km² land area Land Area
Overview

About Tennessee

Tennessee's wildlife changes a lot from east to west because of the Appalachians, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers. This mix brings many species into one state: black bears and elk on forest ridges, river otters and beavers in wet bottomlands, and many amphibians and freshwater life in clear, spring-fed streams. Important habitats include high-elevation spruce-fir islands and cove hardwood forests in the Great Smoky Mountains (a global hotspot for salamanders), sandstone gorges and upland hardwoods of the Cumberland Plateau, and river corridors like the Tennessee River and the Mississippi floodplain with oxbows, sloughs, and wetlands for waterfowl and wading birds. Warm rivers and reservoirs hold fish, and native grasslands and barrens help grassland birds. You can see Appalachian species in the morning and Mississippi flyway wetlands by afternoon. Tennessee is a key path for migrating birds and has rich streams and amphibian life year-round.

Physical Features

Geography

Tennessee spans many ecoregions, from high, wet southern Appalachian forests to bottomland hardwoods and Mississippi River wetlands. East‑west changes in elevation, rainfall, soils, and rivers make a mosaic of habitats—montane forest, oak‑hickory uplands, cedar glades, caves/karst, river corridors, reservoirs, and alluvial wetlands—that shape where species live and support major bird flyways along the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers.

106,798 km² land area Land Area
36th largest U.S. state (by total area) Size Rank
United States Country
State Type
Elevation Range

≈54 m (Mississippi River floodplain in southwest Tennessee) to 2,025 m (Clingmans Dome on the Tennessee-North Carolina border)

Coastline

No ocean coastline; extensive freshwater shorelines along the Mississippi River and large reservoirs/lakes (notably Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley and other TVA reservoirs), plus natural wetlands such as Reelfoot Lake.

Key Landscapes

Southern Appalachian Mountains (Great Smoky Mountains/Blue Ridge) - high-elevation spruce-fir and northern hardwood forests, rich cove forests Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians - long forested ridges and fertile valleys influencing wildlife movement corridors Cumberland Plateau - extensive upland forests, sandstone gorges, headwater streams Highland Rim and Nashville Basin - oak-hickory forests, prairies/woodlands, and rare cedar glades on limestone Major river systems: Tennessee River and impoundments (e.g., Kentucky Lake, Chickamauga Lake), Cumberland River, and Mississippi River - riparian habitat, aquatic biodiversity, and migration corridors Mississippi Alluvial Plain (west Tennessee) - floodplain forests, sloughs, and agricultural mosaics used by waterfowl and shorebirds seasonally
State Symbols

Official Wildlife Symbols

bird

Northern mockingbird

Designated 1933

bird

Wild turkey (state game bird)

Designated 1985

animal

Raccoon

Designated 1971

fish

Channel catfish

Designated 1971

fish

Smallmouth bass (state sport fish)

Designated 2005

insect

Lady beetle (ladybug)

Designated 1975

insect

Zebra swallowtail (state butterfly)

Designated 2023

reptile

Eastern box turtle

Designated 1995

amphibian

Tennessee cave salamander

Designated 2005

wildflower

Purple passionflower (maypop)

Designated 1973

tree

Tulip poplar (tulip tree / yellow poplar)

Designated 1947

Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

Tennessee's protected areas span ecoregions from high Appalachian forests to the Cumberland Plateau gorges and the Mississippi River floodplain. Managed by federal agencies (National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), state parks and natural areas, and Cherokee National Forest, they support migratory birds on the Mississippi Flyway, Appalachian salamanders and other endemics, and West Tennessee wetland wildlife.

Protected Coverage

About 14% of Tennessee's land area is in publicly protected or conservation-focused ownership/management (approximate; varies by definition and accounting method).

National Parks & Preserves

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

≈522,000 acres (shared with North Carolina)

One of North America's most biodiverse temperate forests, with exceptional salamander diversity, extensive mature hardwood forests, and high-elevation habitats that support sensitive Appalachian wildlife. Excellent for black bear viewing and birding across elevation gradients.

American black bear White-tailed deer Wild turkey Eastern hellbender Red-cheeked salamander

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

≈125,000 acres (shared with Kentucky)

Protects a large, rugged river gorge system with extensive forest, sandstone bluffs, and river habitats that support wide-ranging mammals, neotropical migrant songbirds, and diverse aquatic life.

River otter Bobcat White-tailed deer Barred owl Peregrine falcon

Obed Wild and Scenic River

≈20,000 acres

A Cumberland Plateau river corridor with deep gorges, cliffs, and high-quality streams. Notable for raptors along cliffs, rich riparian biodiversity, and relatively undisturbed aquatic habitats.

Peregrine falcon River otter Louisiana waterthrush Wood duck Northern watersnake

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

≈24,000 acres (shared with Kentucky and Virginia)

Large forested ridges and valleys at the junction of three states, supporting black bears, forest interior birds, and diverse plant communities-important as a connectivity corridor across the central Appalachians.

American black bear Bobcat Wild turkey Cerulean warbler White-tailed deer

Shiloh National Military Park

≈4,200 acres

Though historically focused, the park includes substantial forest and riverine edge habitats along the Tennessee River that support waterbirds, eagles, and a strong mix of woodland wildlife.

Bald eagle Prothonotary warbler Beaver White-tailed deer Barred owl

State & Provincial Parks

Reelfoot Lake State Park

≈1,300 acres (park; adjacent to larger federal refuge lands)

A premier West Tennessee wetland complex (cypress swamp/lake edge) famous for wintering bald eagles, large waterbird congregations, and excellent paddling-based wildlife viewing.

Bald eagle Great blue heron American white pelican Beaver River otter

Radnor Lake State Park (State Natural Area)

≈1,300 acres

A protected reservoir-and-forest natural area in Nashville with strong wildlife visibility (especially along quiet trails). Notable for waterbirds, turtles, and urban-edge forest species.

River otter White-tailed deer Great blue heron Barred owl Red-eared slider

Roan Mountain State Park

≈2,000 acres

High-elevation Appalachian habitats and coldwater streams near the Roan massif; notable for montane birds, black bear habitat, and access to nearby rare spruce-fir-associated wildlife.

American black bear Bobcat Ruffed grouse Brook trout Northern flying squirrel (high-elevation regionally rare)

Fall Creek Falls State Park

≈29,800 acres

Large forested plateau-and-gorge landscapes with waterfalls, cliffs, and coves that support breeding songbirds, raptors, and diverse woodland mammals.

Pileated woodpecker Black vulture Wild turkey White-tailed deer Barred owl

Wildlife Refuges

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge

≈51,000 acres

A major Mississippi Flyway refuge complex along the Tennessee River with extensive bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, and open water-outstanding for wintering waterfowl and migratory birds.

Snow goose Bald eagle Wood duck American coot White-tailed deer

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge

≈10,000 acres (approximate)

Protects critical wetland and forested floodplain habitats adjoining Reelfoot Lake; a top Tennessee site for eagle viewing and wintering/stopover waterbirds.

Bald eagle Great egret Canada goose Beaver River otter

Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

≈9,500 acres

Bottomland hardwood forest and wetland habitats near the Hatchie River-important for waterfowl, wading birds, and floodplain-dependent mammals and reptiles.

Prothonotary warbler Wood duck Beaver White-tailed deer Alligator snapping turtle

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

≈8,900 acres

Wetlands and shallow-water habitats near the Cumberland River/impoundment system that draw large wintering concentrations of ducks, geese, and swans, plus raptors.

Tundra swan Green-winged teal Northern pintail Bald eagle Great blue heron

Wilderness Areas

  • Citico Creek Wilderness (Cherokee National Forest)
  • Bald River Gorge Wilderness (Cherokee National Forest)
  • Big Frog Wilderness (Cherokee National Forest)
  • Gee Creek Wilderness (Cherokee National Forest)
  • Pond Mountain Wilderness (Cherokee National Forest)
  • Sampson Mountain Wilderness (Cherokee National Forest)
  • Savage Gulf State Natural Area (notable state-managed roadless plateau-and-gorge landscape)
Animals

Wildlife

Tennessee sits at a crossroads of eastern forests, the Appalachian highlands, major river systems (Tennessee, Cumberland, Mississippi), and rich wetlands and bottomlands. That mix-plus strong elevational gradients in the east and extensive warm-water rivers statewide-creates one of North America's standout freshwater biodiversity centers. The state is especially defined by extraordinary fish and salamander diversity, major migratory bird corridors (Mississippi Flyway influence in the west, Appalachian routes in the east), and large-forest wildlife in the Cumberland Plateau and Great Smoky Mountains region.

~80 species Mammals
~340-370 species (including migrants) Birds
~65-75 species Reptiles
~45-55 species Amphibians
~300-330 species (exceptionally high diversity) Fish
Examples

Iconic Species

American Black Bear
American Black Bear A signature species of the Appalachian east; frequently sought in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby public lands, with a well-known recovering/expanding population.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle A major conservation success story; now regularly seen nesting and foraging along large reservoirs and rivers statewide (notably winter concentrations near big water and fish runs).
Elk
Elk A high-profile reintroduced big game species; best known from the North Cumberland region where visitors come for chances to see and hear bugling during the fall rut.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane A celebrated migration and wintering spectacle in southeast Tennessee, especially around the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge area where large flocks gather.
Wood Duck
Wood Duck A quintessential bottomland and beaver-pond bird; especially emblematic of West Tennessee wetlands and forested swamps such as Reelfoot Lake and Mississippi floodplain habitats.
North American River Otter
North American River Otter Once reduced in much of the region, now a sought-after, charismatic river resident in cleaner waterways and reservoirs-an indicator of improving aquatic conditions in some basins.
Eastern Hellbender A flagship giant salamander of cold, rocky streams in East Tennessee; iconic for Tennessee's identity as a salamander-rich state and for ongoing conservation work.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey A defining species of Tennessee's hardwood forests and fields; widely distributed and culturally important, with excellent viewing and hunting tradition across the state.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer Abundant statewide and a cornerstone of the modern wildlife experience from agricultural edges in the west to forest openings on the Plateau and in the Appalachians.

Endemic & Rare Species

Laurel Dace

Chrosomus saylori

Federally Endangered; extremely restricted range in southeast Tennessee

A tiny stream fish with one of the most limited distributions in the U.S.; emblematic of Tennessee's globally important but vulnerable headwater biodiversity.

Barrens Topminnow

Fundulus julisia

Federally Endangered; Tennessee endemic

A spring- and seep-associated fish found only in Tennessee; threatened by groundwater changes and habitat alteration, making it a major conservation priority.

Smoky Madtom

Noturus baileyi

Federally Endangered; highly restricted to Tennessee river systems

A small, secretive catfish tied to clean, flowing habitat; highlights the conservation stakes for the Tennessee River basin's unique fish fauna.

Spotfin Chub

Erimonax monachus

Federally Threatened

A distinctive minnow of larger, clean rivers; Tennessee supports important populations and recovery efforts in suitable river reaches.

Tennessee Cave Salamander

Gyrinophilus palleucus

Range-restricted cave obligate; sensitive to groundwater quality (often tracked as rare/imperiled)

A subterranean salamander tied to karst groundwater systems; serves as a flagship for cave and aquifer protection in parts of Middle and East Tennessee.

Gray Bat

Myotis grisescens

Federally Threatened

A cave-roosting bat with major colonies in the region; Tennessee's caves and rivers provide critical roosting and foraging habitat.

Indiana Bat

Myotis sodalis

Federally Endangered

A forest- and cave-associated bat that uses Tennessee habitats seasonally; conservation is tightly linked to roost protection and forest management.

Eastern Hellbender

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

Declining in parts of its range; conservation concern due to water quality and sedimentation

A long-lived stream salamander strongly affected by siltation and aquatic habitat degradation; Tennessee populations are focal points for monitoring and restoration.

Notable Populations

  • One of North America's richest freshwater fish assemblages, especially in the Tennessee and Cumberland river systems, with many localized darters, minnows, and madtoms.
  • Globally significant salamander diversity in the Appalachian portion of the state (including the broader Great Smoky Mountains region), often cited among the highest salamander diversity areas in the world.
  • Major seasonal concentrations of Sandhill Cranes in southeast Tennessee (notably the Hiwassee Refuge area), drawing birders for migration/winter viewing.
  • Important wintering and migration habitat for waterfowl and wetland birds in West Tennessee (Mississippi River floodplain and Reelfoot Lake region).
  • Regionally significant cave-roosting bat populations (e.g., Gray Bat) supported by extensive karst and cave systems.

Recent Changes

  • Bald Eagle numbers increased markedly over recent decades due to recovery and nesting expansion along reservoirs and major rivers.
  • Elk were reintroduced and are now established in parts of the North Cumberland area, creating a new high-profile wildlife viewing opportunity.
  • American Black Bears have expanded their range and visibility in East Tennessee with increased sightings in adjacent foothill communities.
  • North American River Otters rebounded in many watersheds following reintroductions and water-quality improvements in some areas.
  • Declines and ongoing stress in several bat species due to white-nose syndrome, reducing winter cave populations in parts of the state.
  • Continuing pressure on rare stream fishes (e.g., laurel dace, barrens topminnow, smoky madtom) from habitat fragmentation, sedimentation, and altered flows; some sites show stabilization where targeted restoration occurs.
  • Ongoing spread/establishment of nine-banded armadillos in the region reflects a broader northward range expansion trend in the Southeast (increasingly reported in Tennessee).
Visit

Wildlife Viewing

Tennessee has many habitats: high-elevation Appalachian spruce-fir and hardwood forests in the east, karst caves and river corridors in the middle, and Mississippi River floodplain wetlands in the west. You can see white-tailed deer, wild turkey, beaver, river otter, black bear (especially in the Smokies), songbirds, raptors, winter waterfowl, wading birds, and bald eagles.

Best Seasons

Spring (March-May)

Peak migration and wildflower season. Expect prolific songbird activity (warblers, vireos, tanagers) in the Great Smoky Mountains and along river corridors; strong amphibian activity in wetlands; active black bears emerging from winter torpor; and excellent waterfall/river scenery for wildlife paddling. Great time for birding festivals and dawn chorus hikes.

Summer (June-August)

Lush forests and long days bring wildlife at dawn and dusk. On quiet paddles look for river otters and beavers; in wetlands find breeding herons and egrets, and bats at cave entrances. For elk, visit North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (part of the Tennessee elk restoration range) at dawn or dusk. Avoid midday heat.

Fall (September-November)

Comfortable temperatures and strong movement: raptor migration (hawks, falcons) at ridge overlooks, deer rut behavior (best viewed at distance), and heavy acorn mast drawing bears and turkeys in hardwood forests. Fall color makes scenic wildlife drives and overlook scanning especially rewarding.

Winter (December-February)

Best season for big congregations of waterfowl and reliable bald eagle viewing at major lakes and floodplains (especially Reelfoot Lake and the Tennessee River system). Leaf-off conditions improve visibility for deer, turkeys, and raptors. Expect colder conditions in the Smokies and the Cumberland Plateau; plan for wind on open water.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Scan for wildlife at dawn or dusk in Cades Cove (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee): use pullouts and the loop road for safe, respectful viewing; deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and coyotes are commonly seen.
  • Winter bald eagle and waterfowl day at Reelfoot Lake State Park (near Tiptonville): drive the wildlife loop/roads, visit the observation areas, and book a local eagle-watching boat trip when available.
  • Birding and wetland wildlife at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge (near Clarksville): follow auto tours and trails for ducks, geese, waders, and winter raptors; bring a spotting scope.
  • Sunrise paddle for beavers, otters, and herons on the Harpeth River (near Nashville) or in Radnor Lake State Park's viewing areas (observe lake rules; no boating at Radnor): prime for quiet, close-range sightings.
  • Raptor watching from overlooks and ridgelines on the Cumberland Plateau, especially around Savage Gulf/Stone Door area (South Cumberland State Park): best in fall migration with thermals building mid-morning.
  • Black bear viewing (from a safe distance) along quieter roads and trailheads in the Smokies such as Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: go early, stay in your vehicle if bears are roadside, and use telephoto lenses.
  • Cave-and-nightlife focus in the Cumberland Plateau region: watch evening bat emergence near cave areas where permitted and join a ranger-led program when offered (seasonal); pair with firefly and nocturnal insect activity in summer.
  • Mississippi River floodplain birding in West Tennessee (near Memphis area parks and riverfronts): look for wintering waterbirds, gulls/terns (seasonal), and raptors along open river edges and backwaters. (Always follow local access rules and river safety guidance.)

Wildlife Watching Types

Birding hotspots (warbler migration in the Smokies; winter waterfowl at Reelfoot Lake and Cross Creeks NWR) Bald eagle watching (winter concentrations on major lakes and floodplains) Black bear viewing (primarily Great Smoky Mountains National Park) Elk viewing (North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, Campbell County) Wetland wildlife watching (ducks, geese, herons, egrets, amphibians) River/lake wildlife paddling (beaver, river otter, turtles, kingfishers) Raptor migration watching (hawks/falcons along ridges and overlooks, especially fall) Night wildlife viewing (bats near cave regions, owls on evening walks where permitted) Wildlife photography from scenic drives and auto loops (e.g., Cades Cove; refuge auto routes)

Guided Options

  • Tennessee State Parks ranger-led programs (seasonal walks, birding programs, night hikes, and interpretive talks at parks like Reelfoot Lake, Radnor Lake, and others statewide)
  • National Park Service programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (seasonal wildlife/bear safety, naturalist walks, and evening programs-check park schedules)
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service programs at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge (seasonal events, interpretive activities, and birding resources; verify current offerings)
  • Reelfoot Lake guided eagle-watching boat tours (local operators; strongest in winter-book ahead on peak weekends)
  • Local guided birding tours around the Smokies/Knoxville area and Nashville region (independent naturalists; useful during spring migration for warbler identification and hotspot logistics)
  • Paddling/outfitter-led river trips on Middle Tennessee rivers (Harpeth and other suitable waterways) that emphasize quiet wildlife viewing and safety
  • Regional Audubon/ornithology society field trips (often scheduled around spring migration and winter counts; great for visitors wanting expert ID help)
Habitats

Ecosystems

Tennessee sits between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River lowlands. Changes in elevation, rock (limestone/karst), and moisture shift from cool Appalachian forests to the Interior Plateau and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain with bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. The state is mostly forested, with diverse hardwood types, large river systems (Tennessee, Cumberland, Mississippi), and key migratory bird routes.

Biomes

Temperate Forest

Dominant biome statewide: mixed deciduous and mixed hardwood forests (oak-hickory, cove hardwoods), with higher-elevation Appalachian northern hardwood and spruce-fir islands; includes extensive bottomland hardwood forests in major floodplains.

Primary land cover across most regions; especially extensive in the Appalachians, Cumberland Plateau, and Highland Rim, with large blocks also in western bottomlands.

Temperate Grassland

Occurs as prairie/grassland remnants and managed open habitats (cedar glades edge grasslands, barrens, powerline/old-field grasslands), and locally as open savanna-like oak/grass mosaics where fire historically maintained openness.

Patchy and limited; small remnants and managed openings scattered statewide, more common in the Interior Plateau and parts of West Tennessee.

Freshwater

Large river systems (Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland), reservoirs and impoundments, spring-fed streams, and high-gradient mountain creeks; supports rich freshwater fish, mussel, and amphibian diversity (notably in the Tennessee River basin).

Widespread linear network statewide with highest influence along major rivers, reservoirs, and dense headwater stream networks in eastern Tennessee.

Wetland

Includes Mississippi River backwaters and oxbows, forested floodplain wetlands (bottomland hardwood), cypress-tupelo swamps in the west, beaver wetlands, marshes, and karst sinkhole wetlands/seeps on the Interior Plateau.

Concentrated in West Tennessee (Mississippi Alluvial Plain) and along major river floodplains statewide; smaller isolated wetlands occur throughout.

Habitats

Forest

Extensive hardwood-dominated landscapes statewide; large contiguous tracts on the Cumberland Plateau and in the Appalachians.

Deciduous Forest

Oak-hickory and mixed mesophytic/cove hardwood forests; among the most species-rich temperate deciduous systems in North America (notably in the eastern mountains and Cumberland Plateau coves).

Coniferous Forest

High-elevation red spruce-Fraser fir relicts in the Great Smoky Mountains; pine stands (shortleaf, Virginia, loblolly in places) and eastern redcedar on limestone-derived soils.

Woodland

Open oak woodlands and pine-oak woodlands maintained historically by fire; still present in places via management and on drier ridges.

Grassland

Prairie and barren/old-field grasslands, utility corridors, and managed wildlife openings; includes grass-dominated communities adjacent to cedar glades and barrens.

Shrubland

Early-successional thickets, powerline/shrub-scrub edges, and regenerating clearcuts supporting songbirds and game species.

Mountain

Appalachian highlands (Great Smoky Mountains, Unicoi Mountains) with steep elevation gradients, cool moist coves, and exposed high ridges.

Cave

Globally significant karst and cave systems (Cumberland Plateau and Highland Rim) supporting bats and specialized cave fauna; includes extensive sinkholes and subterranean streams.

Cliff/Rocky Outcrop

Sandstone and limestone bluffs (e.g., Cumberland Plateau escarpments and river gorges) with rock outcrops, talus slopes, and nesting/roosting sites.

River/Stream

Major rivers (Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland) plus biodiverse tributaries (e.g., Clinch, Duck, Hiwassee) with important mussel and fish assemblages.

Lake

Large reservoirs (e.g., Kentucky Lake, Norris, Cherokee, Percy Priest, Chickamauga) and natural oxbow lakes in western floodplains.

Pond

Farm ponds and small impoundments common in agricultural landscapes; important for amphibians and waterfowl.

Wetland

Bottomland hardwood wetlands, beaver complexes, seeps, sinkhole wetlands, and riverine backwaters; critical for migratory birds in the Mississippi Flyway.

Swamp

Forested swamps and sloughs in West Tennessee, including cypress-tupelo communities and seasonally inundated hardwood bottoms.

Marsh

Emergent marshes along reservoir margins, river backwaters, and managed waterfowl areas; includes cattail/bulrush zones where sediment and water levels allow.

Bog

Rare, localized montane bogs and seepage wetlands in eastern Tennessee (southern Appalachian bog complexes), supporting specialized plants and amphibians.

Agricultural/Farmland

Row crops and pasture dominate many lowland and plateau valleys; strong influence in Middle and West Tennessee with extensive field-edge habitat.

Urban

Urban ecosystems centered on Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Tri-Cities, with fragmented greenways and riparian corridors.

Suburban

Rapidly expanding suburban matrices around major cities, often interspersed with secondary forest, lawns, and small streams.

Ecoregions

EPA Level III: Blue Ridge EPA Level III: Ridge and Valley EPA Level III: Southwestern Appalachians EPA Level III: Interior Plateau EPA Level III: Southeastern Plains EPA Level III: Mississippi Alluvial Plain EPA Level III: Western Gulf Coastal Plain WWF: Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests WWF: Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests WWF: Southeastern mixed forests WWF: Mississippi lowland forests
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Suburban growth and land conversion keep reducing and breaking up forests, wetlands, and riparian buffers. West Tennessee's bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands were cut down and remain at risk. In Middle and East Tennessee, land division and development fragment interior forests used by neotropical migratory birds and wide-ranging mammals.
  • Fast growth around Nashville (I-24/I-65 corridors), Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities increases impervious cover, stream flashiness, road density, and pressure on karst and spring systems. Urban sprawl also increases pet predation and reduces native grassland openings maintained by historical disturbance regimes.
  • Row-crop agriculture and pastureland in West and Middle Tennessee contribute to riparian clearing and channel modification; nutrient and sediment runoff degrades streams used by imperiled mussels and fishes in tributaries of the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland systems.
  • Nutrient enrichment (nitrogen/phosphorus), sedimentation from erosion and construction, and legacy contaminants in some industrial/urban waterways affect aquatic life. Sediment is a primary stressor for mussels and darters in gravel/cobble streams, while contaminants can accumulate in floodplain food webs along major rivers.
  • Road networks and stream crossings fragment habitats and increase wildlife mortality; dams and reservoirs (TVA system) alter flow, temperature, and sediment regimes, limiting fish passage and changing habitat for native river specialists. Expanding transmission and pipeline corridors can further fragment forests.
  • Flow regulation and channelization (especially in lowland rivers and agricultural ditches) simplify habitat and reduce connectivity; suppression of natural fire and reduced use of prescribed burning diminishes open woodland and native grassland structure important for certain birds and pollinators.
  • Warmer temperatures and shifting precipitation increase flash flooding and drought risk, stressing coldwater Appalachian streams and altering forest composition. More intense storm events elevate erosion and sediment loads, affecting mussel beds and spawning habitat; warming may expand ranges of some pests and diseases.
  • While much timber harvest is managed, intensive harvest or poorly buffered operations can increase sedimentation in headwater streams and fragment mature forest conditions. In the Appalachians, loss of hemlock from pests can trigger salvage logging and additional disturbance if not carefully managed.
  • Historic coal mining in the Cumberland Plateau and legacy mine lands can contribute acid mine drainage and metal contamination in localized watersheds; ongoing quarrying/aggregate extraction can increase sediment and alter hydrology if not mitigated.
  • White-nose syndrome has caused severe declines in cave-hibernating bats across Tennessee's extensive karst and cave networks. Wildlife diseases also affect amphibians and can interact with habitat stress and warming temperatures.
  • Expanding development increases conflicts with black bears (especially near the Smokies and in East Tennessee), coyotes, and beavers; crop damage and property impacts can lead to lethal control pressure. Road conflicts also rise with deer abundance near suburban interfaces.
  • High recreation pressure in the Great Smoky Mountains and other popular public lands can disturb nesting raptors and sensitive species, trample riparian zones, and increase litter and illegal campsite impacts. Cave visitation can further stress bat colonies already affected by disease.
  • Regulated hunting is a key management tool, but localized overharvest risk exists where enforcement is limited or for sensitive populations; illegal take can affect raptors or other protected wildlife. Sustaining science-based quotas is important where populations are recovering or expanding (e.g., elk management zones).
  • Recreational pressure on popular sport fisheries (trout streams in East Tennessee; bass/crappie in reservoirs) can affect local size structure; aquatic biodiversity concerns are more often tied to habitat/water quality than fishing, but harvest regulations remain important in high-use waters.
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

In late May/early June, Elkmont in the Smokies is famous for synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus): for about two weeks, thousands of males flash in near-unison, creating timed "waves" of light-one of the best-known synchronous displays in the U.S.

The Berry Cave salamander (Gyrinophilus gulolineatus) is a federally threatened species found only in one place on Earth: Berry Cave in Roane County, Tennessee-its entire global range fits inside a single cave system.

Tennessee's only native trout in many high-elevation Appalachian streams is the brook trout-but it's not technically a trout at all (it's a char). In the Smokies, isolated brook-trout populations persist mainly above waterfalls that block competing, introduced trout.

West Tennessee's Mississippi River backwaters can host alligator snapping turtles-the largest freshwater turtle in North America-an animal that can top 150-200+ pounds and use a worm-like lure on its tongue to "fish" for prey.

Lake sturgeon-an ancient, armor-plated fish that can reach 6 feet-historically lived in parts of the Tennessee River system but disappeared from many stretches; modern restoration stockings are bringing the species back to select Tennessee waters.

Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee side) is often called the "Salamander Capital of the World": the park supports 30+ salamander species-one of the highest salamander diversities documented anywhere on Earth for a single protected area.

Tennessee's Duck River is cited by The Nature Conservancy as one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America-home to ~150 fish species and 50+ freshwater mussel species in a single river system.

Nickajack Cave (near Chattanooga) hosts one of the largest known colonies of federally endangered gray bats; summer emergences can involve well over 100,000 bats funneling out at dusk.

Reelfoot Lake (northwest Tennessee) is a major bald-eagle hotspot: in midwinter it regularly holds 200+ eagles, making it one of the largest and most reliable concentrations of wintering bald eagles in the Southeast.

There are fantastic opportunities to see rare, strange, and native animals in their native habitats at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, numerous state parks, wildlife management areas, and zoos in Tennessee. There are more than 75 species of mammals, including many native ones, in the state, including black bears, elk, cougars, and bobcats. You may also see strange creatures, like the American beaver, American mink, and big brown bats.

The Official Animals of Tennessee

Young Raccoon standing in front and facing at the camera isolated on white

The raccoon is the official wild animal of Tennessee.

©iStock.com/GlobalP

The raccoon is the official wild animal of Tennessee. Besides Tennessee, these furry creatures live in many other areas globally, including North America, Europe, and Japan. These mammals are often considered strange because of the unique black circles around their eyes.

Tennessee has two official state fish. The official sports fish is the smallmouth bass. In addition to Tennessee, smallmouth bass can be found in many U.S. states and Canada.

The official commercial fish of Tennessee is the channel catfish. Catfish live on every continent in the world, except Antarctica. It is considered commercial fish because they are raised on farms in the state and shipped worldwide.

The official horse of Tennessee is the Tennessee walking horse. This breed was developed in the center part of Tennessee about 1790.

Tennesse has three state insects. They are the lightning bug, ladybug, and honey bee. The zebra swallowtail is the state butterfly.

The state amphibian is the Tennessee cave salamander. The IUCN lists this species as threatened because of habitat destruction.

The state reptile is the Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina. Small (less than six inches), this turtle has a black or brown shell with yellow, orange, and red spots. It may live 30-60 years but seldom goes far from its birthplace.

The state bird is the mockingbird. Most mockingbirds are shades of gray with accents of white. They are all proficient singers, mastering the songs of other birds and composing tunes of their own — thus the name. They are also aggressive fighters.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals

Clingman's Dome

Clingmans Dome is one of the spectacular views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to many of the state’s wild animals..

©iStock.com/Sam Fowler

Tennessee’s state and national parks are great places to see wild mammals, insects, and reptiles in Tennessee. Over 84 areas have been set aside in the state as natural areas, and they can be great places to see wildlife, including black bears, badgers, cougars, deer, and bobcats. Most wild creatures in Tennessee are not dangerous. Many species of hawks can be found in Tennessee too.

Another great option is to go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While you may see some badger and bobcat tracks if you go hiking or biking, there are unique opportunities at this park to see rare creatures. Wildlife officials estimate that there are two bears per square mile of this park. In addition, you may see other creatures, including white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, wild turkeys, and woodchucks.

Many species of spiders can also be found in the state of Tennessee, and they all have fascinating names: Ravine Trapdoor, Arrowhead, Spruce-Fir Moss, Dark Fishing, White-Banded Crab, Canopy Jumping, Tiger Wolf, Southern Black Widow, Furrow, and Southeastern Wanding Spider.

Besides the Great Smoky Mountains, other places you may want to see wild animals include:

Tennessee has nine states parks in the Nashville area, so there are many opportunities for outdoor activities even for the people in its biggest city. Tennessee is also home to a diverse range of cold-hardy trees and wildlife, many of which are adapted to the state’s varied climate and landscapes. Check out the coldest place in Tennessee.

Zoos

Sumatran Tiger lying on grass

There is a new Sumatran Tiger exhibit at the Nashville Zoo.

©Monka Betley, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – Original / License

A great way to see wild creatures in Tennessee is to visit zoos. You are likely to see creatures from nearby, like bobcats and badgers, along with ones from far away, like penguins and zebras. You can see rare ones that are hard to see in the wild by visiting zoos. Consider visiting these zoos where you can see a variety of creatures from mammals to rodents:

In addition to zoos, Tennessee is also home to five world-class aquariums including Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg.

Most Dangerous

Timber Rattlesnake coiled on ground.

Timber Rattlesnakes, found in Tennessee, are extremely venomous, but they are not typically aggressive.

©iStock.com/NajaShots

The most dangerous animal in Tennessee today is the dog. Approximately 292 dog bite claims each year.

Most snakes in Tennessee are beneficial, but four species of snakes are venomous. They are the timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and copperhead. Ratsnakes can be found in Tennessee, but they are not venomous.

People can have deadly encounters with black widows and brown recluse spiders. For information on the differences between black widow and brown recluse spiders, click here.

There are also dangers posed by large animals such as the black bear, elk, or wild boar. However, encounters with these animals are rare, and none will attack unless provoked.

Endangered Animals

bog turtle

The smallest turtle in North America needs mountain bog ecosystems to thrive, but drought has taken many wetlands in Tennessee.

©Jay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com

While there are many common wild animals in Tennessee, there are others that are endangered. Be sure to do everything that you can to help protect the approximately 40 species of endangered animals that live in the state. Endangered animals living in Tennessee include:

  • Piping plovers – This small gray-and-white bird migrates through the state occasionally on its route from the Great Lakes Region to the Gulf Coast.
  • Freshwater mussels – At least six species of freshwater mussels that live along the Tennessee River are endangered.
  • Pygmy madtom – The pygmy madtom is a rare fish, which is the smallest member of the catfish family.
  • Indiana bats – These small mammals live in caves.
  • Gray bats – These mammals that measure about 5 inches in length and have an 11-inch wingspan live in caves are endemic to the U.S.
  • Carolina Northern flying squirrel – These endangered rodents grow to be about 12-inches long. These rodents live on the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. These rodents eat lichen, fruit, and nuts.
  • Appalachian Elktoe — Also struggling because of water pollution and a lack of a healthy fish population for food, this bivalve is only 4 inches long. It lives just in Tennessee and North Carolina.
  • Finelined Pocketbook — A bivalve similar to the Appalacian elktoe, it may no longer have a stable population anywhere but used to thrive in river runoff areas of Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama.
  • Bog Turtle — The smallest turtle in North America at about 4.5 inches, it is dying out because it needs mountain bog ecosystems, which in Tennesse have disappeared due to drought.

Rarest

Obey Crayfish – Classified as Cambarus obeyensis, the Obey crayfish is critically endangered and only found in Tennessee. Petite and rusty orange in color, Obey crayfish are named after the only place they are found: the Obey River in Tennessee. This particular state plays host to a number of crayfish species, some of which are also endangered. Water pollution, nearby developmental runoff, and drought conditions are all threats to the Obey crayfish.

Largest

American Elk in front of the Rocky Mountains

The American Elk is one of the largest animals in Tennessee.

©Tom Reichner/Shutterstock.com

The black bear, elk, and wild board are on the list of most dangerous animals in Tennessee mainly because of their size. They are probably the three largest animals in the state, but you can add the sandhill crane, the bobcat, the American beaver, the raccoon, the muskrat, and the milk snake.

Flag

National flag of Tennessee

The state flag of Tennessee symbolizes the unity of its different regions.

©iStock.com/Kamlesh Suthar

The flag of Tennessee is filled with rich meaning. The state flag’s stars represent East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee symbolizing unity among all Tennessee’s people. The blue circle signifies that the state’s unity can never be broken.

Native Plants

The showy petals of the spurred butterfly pea make it a favorite of photographers.

The showy petals of the native spurred butterfly pea make it a favorite of photographers who visit Tennessee.

©Doikanoy/Shutterstock.com

The state of Tennessee is part of the temperate deciduous forest biome. More than half of the state’s territory is covered by forests, indicating that Tennessee is abundant in trees, shrubs, and vines. Some native plants in Tennessee include the sweetgum, eastern redbud, pecan, American yellowood, and Fraser fir trees. Other plants of note are the Carolina Rose, Spurred Butterfly Pea, Carolina All Spice, Virginia Chain Ferm, and the American beautyberry. For a full description of these plants, click here.

Read about:

  • extinct animals that lived in Tennessee.
  • fastest animals in Tennessee.
  • ticks in Tennessee.
  • snakes of the Tennessee River.
  • the biggest fish in Tennessee.
  • incredible waterfalls in Tennessee.
  • the most stunning waterfalls in East Tennessee.
  • the best dog parks in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
  • the most picture-perfect waterfalls in the Smoking Mountains.
  • the best fishing spots in Tennessee in the summer.
  • the best fish to catch in Tennessee in the summer.
  • the best places to camp in Tennessee in the summer.

Animals Found in Tennessee

236 species documented in our encyclopedia

Acadian Flycatcher Agkistrodon Contortrix Albino (Amelanistic) Corn Snake Alligator Gar American Alligator American Bulldog American Coonhound American Dog Tick American Eel American Paddlefish American Robin American Toad Asp Caterpillar Bald Eagle Barn Spider Barred Owl Belted Kingfisher Black And Tan Coonhound Black and White Warbler Black Crappie Black Mouth Cur Black Rat Snake Black Swallowtail Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Black Wasp Blackburnian Warbler Blue Catfish Blue Grosbeak Blue Jay Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Bluegill Bluetick Coonhound Bobcat Bowfin Brook Trout Brown Headed Cowbird Bullfrog Canada Warbler Carolina Dog Carolina Parakeet Cecropia Moth Cedar Waxwing Chestnut-Sided Warbler Chicken Snake Chipping Sparrow Cinnamon Bear Coachwhip Snake Common Grackle Common Raven Common Yellowthroat Cooper's Hawk Copperhead Corn Snake Cottonmouth Coyote Cross Fox Dark-Eyed Junco De Kay's Brown Snake Deer Mouse Deer Tick Dickcissel Dog Tick Downy Woodpecker Eastern Bluebird Eastern Box Turtle Eastern Chipmunk Eastern Cottontail Eastern Dobsonfly Eastern Fence Lizard Eastern Gray Squirrel Eastern Hognose Snake Eastern Kingbird Eastern Meadowlark Eastern Phoebe Eastern Racer Eastern Rat Snake Eastern Turkey (Wild Turkey) Eastern Woodrat Elk English Shepherd Eurasian Collared Dove Evening Bat Feist Flathead Catfish Fox Squirrel Freshwater Drum Freshwater Suckerfish Garden Spider Giant Beaver Giant Leopard Moth Golden Shiner Golden-Crowned Kinglet Grapevine Beetle Grass Carp Gray Catbird Gray Fox Gray Tree Frog Great Blue Heron Great Crested Flycatcher Green Anole Green Frog Green Heron Green June Beetle Green Snake Green Sunfish Green Tree Frog Groundhog (Woodchuck) Groundhog Tick Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Hairy Woodpecker Hellbender Hoary Bat House wren Imperial Moth Io Moth Ivory-billed woodpecker Japanese Beetle Joro Spider Kentucky Warbler Killdeer Kirtland's Snake Kudzu Bug Largemouth Bass Little Brown Bat Loggerhead Shrike Lone Star Tick Longnose Gar Luna Moth Luna Moth Caterpillar Milk Snake Mink Mississippi Kite Moccasin Snake Mockingbird Mountain Cur Mountain Feist Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Mud Snake Mudpuppy Muskellunge (Muskie) Muskrat North American Black Bear Northern Bobwhite Northern Cardinal Northern Flicker Northern Harrier Northern Parula Northern Water Snake Orange Spider Orchard Oriole Ovenbird Painted Turtle Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Pied-Billed Grebe Pileated Woodpecker Pine Siskin Polyphemus Moth Potato Beetle Puma Purple Finch Pygmy Rattlesnake Queen Snake Raccoon Racer Snake Rat Terrier Red Finch Red Paper Wasp Red Racer Snake Red Wolf Red-Bellied Woodpecker Red-Eared Slider Red-Shouldered Hawk Red-winged blackbird Redbone Coonhound Redear Sunfish Ribbon Snake Ring-billed Gull River Otter Rock Bass Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Rough Earth Snake Rough Green Snake Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Saddleback Caterpillar Sandhill Crane Scarlet Tanager Sharp-Shinned Hawk Short-Faced Bear Smallmouth Bass Smokybrown Cockroach Smooth Earth Snake Smooth Green Snake Snapping Turtle Snowberry Clearwing Moth Song Sparrow Southern Flannel Moth Southern House Spider Speckled Kingsnake Spongy Moth Spotted Bass Spotted Gar Spotted Lanternfly Squash Bee Squash Beetle Star-nosed mole Striped Bass Summer Tanager Tennessee Walking Horse Tiger Swallowtail Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake) Tree swallow Treeing Tennessee Brindle Treeing Walker Coonhound Tufted Titmouse Turkey Veery Walleye Fish White Bass White Crappie White-Crowned Sparrow White-Eyed Vireo White-tail deer Whitetail Deer Willow Flycatcher Wood Frog Wood Tick Woolly Bear Caterpillar Worm Snake Writing Spider Yellow Bass Yellow Bullhead Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker Yellowthroat

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