Animals in Tennessee

The state of Tennessee, located in the southeastern region of the US, mainly falls within the Upland South, with only the eastern portion being part of the Appalachia. The state is divided into West, Middle, and East Tennessee. The western part of the state also has the Mississippi River, resulting in fertile plains and grasslands, while the eastern part has mountainous habitats. The Cumberland River basin forms a significant part of the Middle Tennessee.

Hundreds of native animals live and flourish in all the different types of habitats in the state. There are many national parks, with The Great Smoky Mountains National Park being among the most notable, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.

List of Different Types of Animals Found in Tennessee

Mammals

White-tailed Deer
Elk
American Black Bear
Eastern Coyote
Bobcat
Red Fox
Gray Fox
North American Beaver
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Southern Flying Squirrel
American Red Squirrel
Common Raccoon
Groundhog
Striped Skunk
Eastern Spotted Skunk
Eastern Cottontail
Snowshoe Hare
Virginia Opossum
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Mole
Eastern Woodrat
Eastern Shrew
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Meadow Jumping Mouse
Nine-banded Armadillo
North American River Otter
Eastern Red Bat
Big Brown Bat
Eastern Small-footed Bat
Indiana Bat

Birds

Northern Mockingbird
Northern Bobwhite Quail
Northern Cardinal
Tufted Titmouse
Summer Tanager
American Robin
American Goldfinch
Sandhill Crane
Wild Turkey
Sharp-shinned Hawk

Reptiles

Bog Turtle
Common Snapping Turtle
Cumberland Slider
Common Musk Turtle
Copperhead
Cottonmouth
Timber Rattlesnake
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Scarlet Kingsnake
Pine Snake
Ring-necked Snake
Red Corn Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Common Kingsnake
Mississippi Green Watersnake
Diamond-backed Watersnake
DeKay’s Brownsnake
Southeastern Crowned Snake
Western Ribbonsnake
Eastern Ribbonsnake
Common Gartersnake
Eastern Fence Lizard
Green Anole
Southeastern Five-lined Skink

Amphibians

Southern Leopard Frog
Northern Leopard Frog
American Bullfrog
Green Frog
American Toad
Fowler’s Toad
Marbled Salamander
Eastern Newt
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Four-toed Salamander
Eastern Red-backed Salamander

Fishes

Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Black Crappie
White Crappie
Bluegill
Redear Sunfish
Longear Sunfish
Spotted Bass
Striped Bass
White Bass
Rock Bass
Sauger
Walleye
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Yellow Perch
Chain Pickerel
Northern Pike
Muskellunge
Yellow Bullhead
Black Bullhead
Paddlefish
Bowfin

Insects And Invertebrates

Zebra Swallowtail
Monarch Butterfly
Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Common Eastern Firefly
Honeybee
Eastern Carpenter Bee
Six-spotted Tiger Beetle
Ladybug
Luna Moth
Giant Leopard Moth
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Eastern Boxelder Bug
Carolina Mantis
Eastern Dobsonfly
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Asian Lady Beetle
Dog-day Cicada
Great Black Wasp
American Cockroach
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Wheel Bug
Western Black Widow Spider
Brown Recluse
House Spider
Cellar Spider

State Animals of Tennessee

State Wild Animal	Raccoon
State Birds	Northern Mockingbird, Northern Bobwhite Quail
State Amphibian	Tennessee Cave Salamander
State Reptile	Eastern Box Turtle
State Sport Fish	Smallmouth Bass
State Commercial Fish	Channel Catfish
State Insects	Firefly, Ladybug
State Butterfly	Zebra Swallowtail
State Agricultural Insect	Honeybee
State Horse	Tennessee Walking Horse

FAQ

What are the most dangerous animals in Tennessee?

Many native venomous snakes and spiders like the copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnakes, western black widow, and brown recluse are deadly enough to kill you. Then there are large predatory animals like the American black bear and eastern coyote.

Are there any endangered animals in Tennessee?

Over 100 species are considered threatened or endangered in the state, with the most common and notable including the Appalachian cottontail, Indiana bat, alligator snapping turtle, black rail (bird), piping plover, and several mollusks and crustaceans.

What are some common invasive animals in Tennessee?

Carps like bighead and black carp are invasive to the state’s waters. Emerald ash borer, red imported fire ant, house mouse, wild boar, and nutria are some other examples of invasive species in Tennessee.