Endangered Animals in Tennessee: Species at Risk and the Laws That Protect Them

Tennessee quietly holds one of the most striking biodiversity records in the entire country — and not entirely for a good reason. There are currently a total of 131 species listed as threatened or endangered in Tennessee, which is far more than most states. That number places the Volunteer State in rare company, and it comes with real legal weight for residents, landowners, and anyone who spends time outdoors.

Whether you’ve spotted an unusual bird along a creek, own land near a protected habitat, or simply want to understand what protections exist for wildlife in your state, knowing the rules around endangered animals in Tennessee matters. Violating them — even accidentally — can carry serious consequences. This guide walks you through how species get listed, which animals are at risk, and exactly what the law requires of you.

Key Insight: According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee only falls below California, Alabama, Florida, and Hawaii when it comes to the number of species listed as threatened or endangered. That makes it one of the most ecologically sensitive states in the nation.

How Endangered Species Are Listed and Protected in Tennessee

Listing a species as endangered is not a simple or quick process. It involves scientific review, public comment, and legal designation at either the state or federal level — and sometimes both. Understanding how this system works helps you recognize why certain animals receive protection and what that protection actually means on the ground.

At the federal level, the U.S. Congress, through the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, recognized that endangered and threatened species of wildlife and plants “are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people.” That foundational recognition drives every listing decision made since.

Federally listed species are protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) administers the act and assigns federal status designations to species that are threatened with extinction (endangered) and those which may become endangered in the foreseeable future (threatened).

At the state level, Tennessee operates its own parallel system. Pursuant to the authority granted by Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 70-8-105 and 70-8-107, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission declares species to be endangered or threatened subject to its regulations. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is the primary enforcement body for state-listed species.

Important Note: Invertebrate groups including insects and arachnids cannot be listed by the TWRA, but may be listed by the FWS. This means some species receive federal protection without state-level designation — a distinction that matters if you encounter them on private land.

The listing process also includes a category known as “candidate species.” Candidate species are animal and plant species for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service has sufficient information to propose them as endangered or threatened, but for which a proposed listing has not been processed because of higher priority listings. These species are not yet legally protected but are often monitored closely.

Once a species is listed, the Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office leads in recovering and conserving imperiled species in Tennessee. Their responsibilities include listing, reclassifying, and delisting under the ESA; providing biological opinions to federal agencies on activities that may affect listed species; and providing assistance to states and others with their endangered species conservation efforts.

Federally Listed vs. State-Listed Endangered Animals in Tennessee

One of the most important distinctions in Tennessee wildlife law is the difference between a federally listed species and a state-listed species. These two categories often overlap, but they don’t always — and the legal obligations they create can differ significantly.

The state status of vertebrates and certain invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans is determined by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Generally, the TWRA designation will be at the same level or higher than the federal status. However, many species may be listed by the TWRA that do not have a federal status at present.

This creates a layered system of protection. A species listed only at the state level is protected under Tennessee law but not under the federal ESA. A species listed only at the federal level — such as certain insects — may not fall under TWRA jurisdiction but is still fully protected by federal statute. When a species is listed at both levels, both sets of rules apply simultaneously.

Many rare invertebrates are not currently afforded state or federal protection but are tracked by the Tennessee Natural Heritage Program. Those species with neither a state nor federal designation are considered rare based on available information. Data are collected on these species in order to minimize the necessity of their listing as endangered or threatened.

If you’re a landowner or developer, it’s worth checking both lists before beginning any project that could affect habitat. You can explore the USFWS species listings for Tennessee and the TWRA biodiversity page to cross-reference current designations. You might also find it useful to compare how neighboring states handle similar protections — for example, see how endangered animals in Virginia are classified under a parallel dual-listing system.

Notable Endangered Animals Found in Tennessee

Landlocked and home to one of the most popular National Parks in the United States, Tennessee contains a variety of ecosystems and environments full of interesting and fascinating animals, some that are rare and in need of protection. From cave-dwelling bats to tiny freshwater mussels, the state’s biodiversity is both remarkable and fragile.

Below are some of the most significant endangered animals currently found in Tennessee, spanning multiple habitat types and taxonomic groups.

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

The Indiana bat is one of the most recognized endangered mammals in the eastern United States. It hibernates in caves and abandoned mines during winter and relies on specific roosting conditions that are easily disrupted by human activity. Magnificent creatures such as the Indiana bat, who added splashes of color and intrigue to Tennessee’s landscape, are now in desperate need of help. Habitat disturbance during hibernation can cause mass die-offs within a single colony.

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

Tennessee’s gray bat measures 5 inches in length with a wingspan of 11 to 13 inches. These bats live in caves, hunt for insects at night, and give birth to a single baby each year. They are considered endangered because they are dispersed in only eight different caves, making them vulnerable to disruption. Threats to their survival include deforestation, flooding in caves, and human disturbance.

Pro Tip: If a person enters a gray bat’s cave, the entire colony will fly into a panic, causing them to lose energy. Young bats may leave the cave before they are ready and die. Females may drop their young in an attempt to escape an intruder. Even well-intentioned cave exploration near known bat roosts can cause serious harm.

Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)

The bog turtle doesn’t get bigger than four and a half inches long. It is a critically endangered turtle in multiple states, including Tennessee, and is indeed the smallest turtle in North America. Requiring delicate mountain bog ecosystems in order to thrive, the bog turtle is threatened daily by habitat loss and pollutants. In Tennessee, many mountainous bogs and wetlands have disappeared due to drought, compressing the species into an ever-shrinking range.

Obey Crayfish (Cambarus obeyensis)

Classified as Cambarus obeyensis, the Obey crayfish is critically endangered and only found in Tennessee. Petite and rusty orange in color, Obey crayfish are named after the only place they are found: the Obey River in Tennessee. Water pollution, nearby developmental runoff, and drought conditions are all threats to the Obey crayfish. Because this species exists in a single river system, any localized pollution event could be catastrophic for the entire population.

Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana)

The Appalachian elktoe is an endangered species of freshwater mussel only found in North Carolina and Tennessee. This bivalve is compact and reaches roughly 4 inches in size when fully grown. It is only found within the intricate river systems of Tennessee and North Carolina. The Appalachian elktoe needs clean water and a healthy fish population in order to reproduce. It is a critically endangered species due to urban development and misuse of waterways.

Smoky Madtom (Noturus baileyi)

For a long time, the Smoky Madtom was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1980 in a segment of Citico Creek, a tributary of the Little Tennessee River in the Cherokee National Forest. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Smoky Madtom as endangered on October 26, 1984, under the Endangered Species Act due to potential threats from logging activities, road and bridge construction, mining, and organic pollution. The species was later reintroduced into Abrams Creek and the Tellico River and is now “moving in the right direction,” with populations slowly growing in East Tennessee streams.

Barrens Topminnow (Fundulus julisia)

The Barrens topminnow is a species of small freshwater fish that was listed as endangered on October 21, 2019. The species currently is restricted to springhead pools and slow-flowing areas of spring runs on the Barrens Plateau in Middle Tennessee. It is only found in a few spots around McMinnville and Tullahoma. The overall viability of the species is low primarily due to predation by the invasive western mosquitofish and secondarily to habitat alteration exacerbated by climate change.

Oyster Mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis)

The oyster mussel is a rare species of freshwater mussel currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. According to the FWS, the oyster mussel used to be one of the most widely distributed Cumberlandian mussel species and was found in six states. Oyster mussels have now been eliminated from the entire Tennessee River main stem and numerous tributaries, with the only remaining natural populations found in the Clinch and Nolichucky Rivers.

Tennessee’s extinct animals list is a sobering reminder of what happens when protection comes too late. Many of the species above face similar pressures — habitat loss, water pollution, and invasive species — that have already claimed others permanently. For a broader picture of how habitat destruction affects species across the region, compare with endangered animals in West Virginia, where Appalachian habitat pressures follow similar patterns.

What You Cannot Do Around Endangered Animals in Tennessee

Federal and state law impose strict limits on how you can interact with — or affect — endangered animals. Many people assume these rules only apply to hunters or developers, but they extend to everyday activities like hiking, fishing, and even landscaping near sensitive habitats.

The most fundamental prohibition is the “take” ban. The Endangered Species Act makes the taking of an animal on the endangered or threatened species list illegal. According to the act, to take is to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service further defines harm to mean “an act which actually kills or injures wildlife.” Harassment of a species is defined as “an intentional or negligent act or omission which creates the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.”

Beyond direct harm, there are broader commercial and transport prohibitions. In addition to taking a species, delivering, receiving, selling, purchasing, or transporting a threatened or endangered animal species is prohibited without a permit, whether the species is alive or dead. Permits are also required for individual or group activities that involve interfering with a species’ habitat.

Tennessee hunting regulations reinforce this. The taking, killing, and/or illegal possession of hawks, owls, songbirds, endangered species, or any other species for which a season is not set is prohibited. This applies even to animals found dead — possession without a permit can still constitute a violation.

Common Mistake: Many people assume that accidentally disturbing a nest, den, or roosting site doesn’t count as “taking.” Under the ESA, any action that significantly disrupts breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior — even without direct physical contact — can qualify as harassment and trigger legal liability.

• Do not approach, touch, or handle any animal you suspect is endangered
• Do not enter caves known to host bat colonies, especially during hibernation season (October–April)
• Do not collect freshwater mussels, crayfish, or fish from rivers without verifying species status
• Do not clear riparian vegetation along streams that may support endangered mussel or fish populations without consulting TWRA or USFWS first
• Do not buy, sell, or transport any protected species, alive or dead, without a federal or state permit
• Do not use pesticides indiscriminately near wetlands, bogs, or cave systems with known endangered species presence

Tennessee is also home to several venomous animals in Tennessee and dangerous animals in Tennessee that are not endangered — but when in doubt about a species’ status, the safest approach is always to observe from a distance and report, not interfere.

Endangered Species on Private Land in Tennessee

One of the most misunderstood aspects of endangered species law is that it applies to private land just as much as it does to public land. Owning property in Tennessee does not exempt you from ESA obligations if a protected species lives on or passes through your land.

Individuals engaging in activities that might result in the taking of a protected species must abide by a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which includes information on how to mitigate or minimize any impacts to the species or its habitat. This requirement applies whether you’re building a fence, clearing timber, or grading land for construction.

An incidental take permit is required if an activity may result in the taking of a threatened or endangered species. Those who apply for this permit must submit a habitat conservation plan to the proper federal or state authority ensuring that the effects of taking the species will be minimized and mitigated.

In practical terms, this means that if you’re a landowner planning any ground-disturbing activity, you should first check whether your property falls within the known range of any listed species. You can do this through the USFWS Environmental Conservation Online System or by contacting the Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office directly.

Important Note: A 2024 Tennessee appeals court ruling found that TWRA’s longstanding practice of warrantless entry onto private property was unconstitutional. The decision concluded that TWRA’s warrantless forays onto private property violate Article 1, Section 7 of the Tennessee Constitution and now requires TWRA to seek judicial warrants based on probable cause before entering private property. This is a significant development for landowners’ rights in Tennessee.

Even with stronger property rights protections following that ruling, the underlying wildlife protections remain fully in force. You may have more legal standing against warrantless searches, but you still cannot harm, harass, or destroy the habitat of a protected species on your own land without proper permits. If you’re unsure about your obligations, consulting with an environmental attorney or reaching out to TWRA proactively is strongly recommended.

Landowners who want to actively support conservation have options too. Voluntary habitat programs exist at both the state and federal level that can provide technical assistance, cost-sharing, and in some cases compensation for conservation-friendly land management. Contact the TWRA or the USFWS Tennessee Field Office to explore what programs may be available for your property.

For perspective on how private land obligations compare in neighboring states, see how endangered animals in Washington interact with private land law under similar ESA frameworks.

How to Report an Endangered Animal Sighting in Tennessee

Reporting a sighting of a rare or endangered animal is one of the most meaningful contributions you can make to wildlife conservation in Tennessee. Biologists and wildlife managers rely heavily on citizen observations to track population trends, identify new habitat areas, and detect threats early.

Here’s how to report effectively depending on what you’ve encountered:

1. Contact TWRA directly. For state-listed species, reach out to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. You can contact TWRA at Ask.TWRA@tn.gov or by calling 615-781-6500. Provide the species (or your best description), the exact location with GPS coordinates if possible, the date and time, and any photos you were able to take safely from a distance.
2. Use the TWRA Wildlife Observation System. TWRA maintains an online platform for submitting wildlife observations across the state. This is especially useful for non-emergency sightings where you want to contribute data without calling in a report.
3. Report to the USFWS Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office. For federally listed species, you can contact the Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office directly. This is particularly important if you’ve observed a species in an area not previously documented in the federal range data.
4. Use iNaturalist or eBird for birds. Citizen science platforms like iNaturalist and eBird are widely used by professional biologists and are a reliable way to log sightings of rare species. Data submitted through these platforms feeds into national and state conservation databases.
5. Report injured or dead protected animals immediately. If you find a protected species that is injured or dead, contact TWRA or local law enforcement right away. Do not attempt to move, handle, or keep the animal — even a dead specimen — without authorization, as possession without a permit is a violation of state and federal law.

Pro Tip: The general public can support local conservation projects, report wildlife sightings, and volunteer their time. Even routine observations — a bat roosting in a barn, a turtle crossing a road near a wetland — can provide valuable data points when submitted through the right channels.

When photographing a rare animal for documentation purposes, always prioritize the animal’s welfare over getting a closer shot. Everyone who enjoys wildlife watching and photography must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others. In any conflict of interest between watching or photographing any animal, the animal and its environment come first.

Penalties for Harming or Taking an Endangered Animal in Tennessee

The legal consequences for harming, taking, or otherwise violating protections for endangered animals in Tennessee are serious — and they operate on two separate tracks: federal penalties under the ESA and state penalties under Tennessee law.

Federal Penalties

Taking a species generally includes causing any harm to a federally protected animal or plant species. Any individual that knowingly takes a listed species can be fined up to $25,000 by the federal government for each violation or instance. These fines are per violation, meaning multiple incidents or a single incident affecting multiple animals can multiply the financial exposure significantly.

Federal penalties also extend to commercial activities. Selling, purchasing, transporting, or importing a protected species without proper permits carries its own penalty structure, and criminal prosecution is possible for willful violations. Federal wildlife crimes can result in imprisonment in addition to civil fines.

State Penalties

At the state level, Tennessee law is equally firm. Any person who fails to procure or violates the terms of any permit issued under the relevant state statutes commits a Class A misdemeanor. In Tennessee, a Class A misdemeanor can carry up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.

Violations such as hunting endangered species or using prohibited methods can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. Repeated or severe offenses may result in multi-year hunting license suspensions. Tennessee participates in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, meaning a suspension in Tennessee can affect hunting privileges in other participating states.

Important Note: You do not have to intend to harm an endangered species to face legal consequences. Under the ESA, negligent acts that disrupt breeding, feeding, or sheltering can qualify as harassment. Ignorance of a species’ protected status is generally not a legal defense.

TWRA officers enforce Tennessee’s hunting and wildlife laws, conducting compliance checks and issuing citations. They have the authority to inspect licenses, examine harvested game, and enter private land under appropriate legal authority. TWRA officers also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to address poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.

If you’re involved in any activity that could affect endangered species — whether as a landowner, contractor, researcher, or outdoor enthusiast — it’s worth consulting with TWRA or a qualified environmental attorney before proceeding. The legal framework around endangered animals in Tennessee is layered, and the cost of getting it wrong is high.

Understanding Tennessee’s endangered species protections is part of a broader responsibility that comes with living in or visiting one of the most biologically rich states in the country. From the tiny Obey crayfish to the cave-dwelling gray bat, these animals represent irreplaceable threads in Tennessee’s ecological fabric. Knowing the rules — and following them — is the most direct way you can help ensure they’re still here for future generations. For more on animals that face existential threats across the broader natural world, explore this overview of extinct animals as a reminder of what’s at stake when protections fall short.