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Wildlife of Tennessee · Predators and Large Animals

White-tailed Deer in Tennessee

Strip landscaping, and collisions are a real danger on Tennessee roads. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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A white-tailed doe and fawn at the edge of a Tennessee suburban yard with a garden fence, soft morning light.

At a Glance

About the White-tailed Deer

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.

Call TWRA First

Risk: Strip landscaping, and collisions are a real danger on Tennessee roads.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameOdocoileus virginianus
Size5 to 7 feet
Where it shows upGardens, landscaping, orchards and roadside edges
When it is activeDawn, dusk and night

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a white-tailed deer.

  • Ragged torn plant tips (deer lack upper front teeth)
  • Rubbed bark on young trees in fall
  • Heart-shaped split-hoof tracks in beds

Call TWRA First

What We Do About the White-tailed Deer

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food.

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

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.

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Good to Know

Questions About White-tailed Deer

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a white-tailed deer?

Common signs: ragged torn plant tips (deer lack upper front teeth); rubbed bark on young trees in fall; heart-shaped split-hoof tracks in beds.

Is a white-tailed deer dangerous?

Strip landscaping, and collisions are a real danger on Tennessee roads. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a white-tailed deer?

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food. 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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