Knoxville TN Wildlife Information

Tennessee Wildlife Commission: 615-781-6500

Tennessee Game WardenIf you have any questions about the wildlife of Knoxville, you can contact the Tennessee Wildlife Commission, sometimes called the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Agency. Tennessee game wardens address many wildlife management matters, from hunting licenses, to poaching, endangered species, and Knoxville wildlife management. They deal with wild animals outside the range of a pest control company, such as cougars or bears. If you have a problem with nuisance wildlife in Knoxville like squirrels, snakes, bats, or raccoons, the state agency is very unlikely to help. You need to hire a private company (here are their prices) such as Critter Control at 865-312-7211.


I also have listed several sources for free Knoxville wildlife help. One example, if you've found an injured animal or lost baby bird or other baby animal is the Knoxville Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic: 865-617-8707 Or just read below for more info about the wild animals of Knoxville.

Types of Wildlife and Animal Problems in Knoxville, TN

Tennessee State bird: Northern mockingbird, bobwhite quail
State mammal: Raccoon
State reptile: Eastern box turtle
State amphibian: Tennessee cave salamander
State fish: Largemouth bass, channel catfish
State insect: 7-spotted ladybug, European honeybee

Tennessee is usually assumed to be completely flat due to its central location in the country. This isn't the case, however. The eastern part of the state contains a section of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the tallest peak in the range. Much of the landscape is flat farmland, but Tennessee has an abundance of trees throughout the landscape, particularly in what is known as the Blue Ridge section of the state. The summers are typically hot and humid, but higher elevations often show cooler temperatures in the winter accompanied by snow. Tornados do visit the state on an average of 15 per year, but fog tends to be the most persistent weather issue, especially in the Smokey Mountains.

The raccoon is the state mammal, and though Tennessee might recognize the cute critter as a representative, the warm weather and beautiful forests of this state only increase the chances people are going to have nuisance issues with the masked opportunist. Other nuisance animals that make their homes in Tennessee include snakes, rats, mice, squirrels, skunks, and porcupines.

Black bears in Tennessee can grow to be upwards of 500 pounds. They are the most common predator seen by hikers and campers, though there are other large predators in the state. Cougars and bobcats are the largest of the feline species present, and these cats are often bolder than their cousins in other regions of the country. The Tennessee park service warns campers about cougars and bobcats loitering around campsites. Coyotes are a presence in every area of the state, and red wolves were reintroduced into the region back in the early 1990's.

Known as the salamander capital of the world, the Smokey Mountain National Park has over 30 different species of salamanders in five different families, making it the most diverse population of such creatures in the world.

Tennessee also has an issue with armadillos. These animals, which can carry leprosy, are often hunted for food. They are docile and quiet, but they can do considerable damage to a yard overnight. Beavers and muskrats also can be problematic in Tennessee. With ample valleys and mountain streams, these semi-aquatic animals make their homes by damming up water and creating floods.

If you need a professional wildlife trapper in Knoxville, TN call Critter Control: 865-312-7211

Knoxville Raccoons:

This masked animal is fairly common in Knoxville, TN. They frequently raid trash cans and steal pet food. They also often choose to live in the attic or chimney of your home. One of Tennessee's beautiful animals, but often a nuisance. We offer Knoxville raccoon removal.


Knoxville Squirrels:

Squirrels are often a pest in Knoxville. They love to live in an attic, and will chew on wood or electrical wires. They are agile creatures, and live throughout the state of Tennessee. Call Critter Control if you need squirrel removal in Knoxville.


Knoxville Opossum:

You may spot this animal in Knoxville at night time, perhaps rooting through your garbage. This opportunistic animal will take your pet's food or live under your porch. The possum is a great Tennessee survivor, and not all that ugly.


Knoxville Snakes:

There are many species of snakes in Knoxville, but few are venomous. If you need help identifying snakes of Tennessee, browse this site or give us a call at 865-312-7211. We at Critter Control can provide Knoxville snake control any time you need us.


Knoxville Rat Control:

The Norway Rat, Roof Rat, and House Mouse inhabit most areas of North America that people inhabit, including most Tennessee cities. They contaminate food and love to live in the walls or attic of a home. Critter Control can get rid of them once and for all.


Knoxville Bats:

Bats are special animals, and found throughout Tennessee. They are good creatures and eat a lot of insects, but if you have an infestation of bats in your home or building, you can give us a call for professional Knoxville bat removal and control.


REPORT WILDLIFE ISSUES: 865-215-2444

To report a dead animal on the road, an injured bird, a lost baby squirrel, a dangerous bear, or anything like that, call animal services at 865-215-2444

If they can't help, call the Tennessee Wildlife Commission at 865-215-2444. You can also call your local sheriff department at 865-215-2444 - they often deal with public wildlife issues.


We are experts with all kinds of TN wildlife and are familiar with the wild animals native to Knoxville. If you need Knoxville pigeon control, geese or other bird removal, we can help. We are experts with skunks and skunk problems, digging animals such as moles, armadillos, & groundhogs, and we offer Tennessee beaver control and removal. Critter Control also provides dead animal removal services. 865-312-7211

Servicing all of Knox and Loudon Counties. Also servicing parts of Roane, Anderson, and Blount Counties including Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, and Kingston.


Knoxville Wildlife Tip
Opossum prevention methods
Do you have a friendly wandering opossum in your yard? Perhaps you can hear this critter agitating your pet during the night, or simply making a mess of your yard by rummaging through the leaves and garbage cans or bags? Whatever the situation, it makes sense to know about the opossum prevention methods to make life a little easier on yourself. Of course, you can always give the wildlife control guys a call to give you a hand, but there are still things that you can do for yourself anyway.

Wild animals come into your yard because of the food sources that you leave out for them. It could be leftovers in the garbage can, pet food on the porch or even a compost heap - these are all food sources to the average opossum, so by removing these things out of the equation, you are going to find that the creature will move along fairly quickly.

You could try to put a fence around your garden or yard, but in reality, this may not always work against the opossum simply because they seem to be rather keen climbers. This is even more so the case if you have tree branches hanging down and similar scenarios. One thing that you should probably just avoid is the entire world of opossum and other wild animal repellants. Generally, these things don't work and even if they did, the animals would soon get used to them. You will just end up wasting hard earned cash again and again; cash that you could have just given your local wildlife control dude in the first place!
Knoxville, TN Wildlife News Clip:
Wildlife - Rabies-infested bat bites citizen

"A bat's bite is so small a person may not know that they have been bitten," said Laura Bat Control Exterminator, field supervisor of Knoxville Animal Services. "The bite is about the size of a pin prick. If someone sees a bat on the ground, he should cover it with something, like a bucket, and notify Animal Services." Tennessee has an abundance of wildlife, and Knoxville is no exception.

She warns the public never to handle a bat or other animal that is acting unusual. Bats tend to stay away from people, and a sign of rabies infection is no fear of humans. Sometimes, the only symptom shown is paralysis, which results in the inability to move. Although several species of wildlife roam Knoxville, only a few, such as raccoons and squirrels and rats are considered pest wildlife.

"Normally, you shouldn't see a bat on the ground, and most bats on the ground are infected with the disease," she said. "We've picked up eight bats since Wednesday all over Knoxville, so they aren't isolated to any certain area." Tennessee has many reptiles, and it's important to be able to identify Knoxville snake species and mammals.

The most Animal Services can do to prevent the spread of rabies is to educate residents about the situation and advise people to leave bats and other wild animals alone, Bat Control Exterminator said. Remember to treat the wild animals of Knoxville, Tennessee, with respect and care.


Critter Problem at Your House? Hire Critter Control
Wildlife removal is not a free service.

Knoxville Wildlife ControlIf you have a Knoxville wildlife problem and need help, call Critter Control at 865-312-7211. They provide professional wildlife control for both residential & commercial customers in the city of Knoxville. They offer custom Knoxville wildlife control solutions for almost any type of wildlife problem, whether it be the noises of squirrels running through the attic, a colony of bats living in a building, or the destructive behavior of a raccoon, they have the experience and the tools to quickly and professionally solve your wild animal problem in Knox County in Tennessee. Check their prices, and for a consultation, give them a call at 865-312-7211


We are committed to professional service with the highest integrity. Owner and operator, Paul Osborne, has over 25 years of experience trapping and removing animals from private residences and businesses. He holds a bachelors degree in zoology and a masters in environmental health and safety. He is active with the National Wildlife Control Operators Association and with East Tennessee Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. We specialize in removing, repelling, and relocating your nuisance wildlife and finally repairing any damage they may have caused. We also do property inspections and can provide you with written estimates to repair damage or exclude wildlife.

Past commercial clients include the City of Oak Ridge, Cadre 5, K-25 Site, and several property rental agents.

You're still reading this page? We do not operate Knoxville wildlife rescue, or a Knoxville zoo or nature center, or Knoxville wildlife sanctuary or refuge for volunteers. We are a privately owned nuisance wildlife removal service company. If you need a pro in Knoxville to solve your problem for you, call Critter Control: 865-312-7211 and they can help you with your Knoxville wildlife problem.

Select Your Animal

RaccoonsKnoxville Raccoon Removal Information

SquirrelsKnoxville Squirrel Removal Information

OpossumKnoxville Opossum Removal Information

SkunksKnoxville Skunk Removal Information

RatsKnoxville Rat Removal Information

MiceKnoxville Mouse Removal Information

MolesKnoxville Mole Removal Information

GroundhogKnoxville Groundhog Removal Information

ArmadillosKnoxville Armadillo Removal Information

BeaverKnoxville Beaver Removal Information

FoxKnoxville Fox Removal Information

CoyotesKnoxville Coyote Removal Information

BirdsKnoxville Bird Removal Information

BatsKnoxville Bat Removal Information

SnakesKnoxville Snake Removal Information

DeadKnoxville Dead Animal Removal Information

ChipmunksKnoxville Chipmunk Removal Information

VolesKnoxville Vole Removal Information

DeerKnoxville Deer Removal Information

Flying SquirrelKnoxville Flying Squirrel Removal Information

GophersKnoxville Gopher Removal Information

Prairie DogKnoxville Prairie Dog Removal Information

Feral PigsKnoxville Feral Pig Removal Information

AlligatorsKnoxville Alligator Removal Information

IguanasKnoxville Iguana Removal Information

MuskratsKnoxville Muskrat Removal Information

NutriaKnoxville Nutria Removal Information

OttersKnoxville Otter Removal Information

PigeonsKnoxville Pigeon Removal Information

GooseKnoxville Goose Removal Information

Muscovy DuckKnoxville Muscovy Duck Removal Information

StarlingsKnoxville Starling Removal Information

WoodpeckerKnoxville Woodpecker Removal Information

PorcupinesKnoxville Porcupine Removal Information

RabbitsKnoxville Rabbit Removal Information

WeaselsKnoxville Weasel Removal Information

Stray DogsKnoxville Stray Dog Removal Information

Stray CatsKnoxville Stray Cat Removal Information

OthersOther Wildlife Species Information