Wildlife of Tennessee · Yard and Garden Animals
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit in Tennessee
Strip gardens and girdle young shrubs, and nests are easy to disturb by mistake. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Digging and nibbling animals do most of their damage outside, in lawns, gardens and under slabs. Their burrows can undermine decks, steps and foundations.
Humane Exclusion
Risk: Strip gardens and girdle young shrubs, and nests are easy to disturb by mistake.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a eastern cottontail rabbit.
- Clean 45 degree cuts on stems and shoots
- Round pea-sized droppings in beds
- Nests of grass and fur in shallow lawn dips
Humane Exclusion
What We Do About the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
We favor exclusion, one-way exits and deterrents so the animal leaves on its own and cannot return. Trapping is used only where it is allowed and needed.
Prevention
Keep Them Away
Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.
- Reduce grubs and food in the lawn
- Fence gardens with a buried or bent-out base
- Close burrows only after you confirm they are empty
- Remove brush piles and debris
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Burrows weaken foundations, slabs and equipment paths.
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Girdling can kill young trees and ornamental shrubs.
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Digging damages lawns and foundations, and they can carry leprosy bacteria.
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What Animal Is It? Identifier
Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.
Related Guides
Read More Before You Call
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A garden is a buffet for wildlife. Protect it with the right barrier, not just a spray.
Read the guideTennessee RulesFound a Baby Animal? What to Do (and Not Do)
Baby animals look helpless, but their mothers are often nearby. Picking one up can do more harm than good.
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PreventionProtect Backyard Chickens From Raccoons, Foxes and Weasels
A coop that stops a dog may not stop a raccoon. Predators are patient, strong and clever.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a cottontail rabbit?
Common signs: clean 45 degree cuts on stems and shoots; round pea-sized droppings in beds; nests of grass and fur in shallow lawn dips.
Is a eastern cottontail rabbit dangerous?
Strip gardens and girdle young shrubs, and nests are easy to disturb by mistake. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a eastern cottontail rabbit?
We favor exclusion, one-way exits and deterrents so the animal leaves on its own and cannot return. Trapping is used only where it is allowed and needed. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Free Estimate
Tell Us What Is Going On
Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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Music City Wildlife removes and prevents wildlife problems in homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, from squirrels in the attic to bats in the walls, with humane methods, careful sealing and cleanup.
- 615-357-7797
- Open 24 hours for emergencies
- Nashville, Tennessee · Servicing Middle Tennessee
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