Wildlife of Tennessee · Predators and Large Animals
Red Fox in Tennessee
Prey on poultry and small pets, and foxes can carry mange and rabies. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Red Fox
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: Prey on poultry and small pets, and foxes can carry mange and rabies.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a red fox.
- Dens under sheds, decks and porches
- Tracks in a straight line with small round prints
- Feathers and bones near a den entrance
Humane Exclusion
What We Do About the Red Fox
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
Coyote
Canis latrans
A danger to small pets and poultry, and they lose fear of people when fed.
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
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 guide
Health and SafetyRabies and Wildlife: What You Need to Know
Rabies is rare but serious. It is also preventable. Here is what every Tennessee homeowner should know.
Read the guide
PreventionGroundhog and Armadillo Damage: What It Looks Like and How to Stop It
Diggers do their damage out of sight. By the time you notice it, a tunnel may be under your patio.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a red fox?
Common signs: dens under sheds, decks and porches; tracks in a straight line with small round prints; feathers and bones near a den entrance.
Is a red fox dangerous?
Prey on poultry and small pets, and foxes can carry mange and rabies. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a red fox?
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.
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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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