Wildlife of Tennessee · Predators and Large Animals
Coyote in Tennessee
A danger to small pets and poultry, and they lose fear of people when fed. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Coyote
Coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears and deer are part of Tennessee’s landscape. Most conflicts are about pets, poultry, gardens and trash, so prevention works better than removal.
Humane Exclusion
Risk: A danger to small pets and poultry, and they lose fear of people when fed.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a coyote.
- Howling and yipping at night near neighborhoods
- Missing cats, small dogs and chickens
- Scat full of fur and seeds along greenway trails
Humane Exclusion
What We Do About the Coyote
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.
- Keep small pets inside at night
- Use tall fences with a buried base
- Secure trash, feed and bird seed
- Lock poultry in a predator-proof coop at dusk
Similar Animals
More Predators and Large Animals
Humane ExclusionPredators and Large
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Prey on poultry and small pets, and foxes can carry mange and rabies.
Humane ExclusionPredators and Large
Gray Fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
It climbs, so it can reach poultry and low roofs.
Call TWRA FirstPredators and Large
Bobcat
Lynx rufus
Shy and rarely a danger to people, but poultry and small pets are at risk.
Call TWRA FirstPredators and Large
Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Bears that find food lose their fear, so secure trash and feeders and call TWRA.
Free Tool
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
Health and SafetyProtect Your Pets From Coyotes, Raccoons and Snakes
Wildlife and pets share more space than ever. A few small habits can prevent most injuries.
Read the guide
Identify the AnimalUrban Wildlife in Nashville: Who Lives Alongside Us
Nashville is a city with woods in it, and wildlife is part of life here.
Read the guide
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 coyote?
Common signs: howling and yipping at night near neighborhoods; missing cats, small dogs and chickens; scat full of fur and seeds along greenway trails.
Is a coyote dangerous?
A danger to small pets and poultry, and they lose fear of people when fed. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a coyote?
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.
Get Your Free Estimate
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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