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.

Animals in Tennessee (TN)

List of Different Types of Animals Found in Tennessee

Mammals

Birds

Reptiles

Amphibians

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
Tennessee State Animals

State Animals of Tennessee

State Wild AnimalRaccoon
State BirdsNorthern Mockingbird, Northern Bobwhite Quail 
State AmphibianTennessee Cave Salamander
State ReptileEastern Box Turtle
State Sport FishSmallmouth Bass
State Commercial FishChannel Catfish
State InsectsFirefly, Ladybug
State ButterflyZebra Swallowtail
State Agricultural InsectHoneybee
State HorseTennessee 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.

More on Animals in This State

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