Nuisance Wildlife Laws in Tennessee: What Every Property Owner Needs to Know

Wild animals and suburban life collide every day across Tennessee, from raccoons raiding trash cans in Nashville to groundhogs tunneling under foundations in Knoxville. Knowing exactly where the law draws the line is what separates a handled problem from a costly legal mistake.

Tennessee gives property owners real authority to protect their land, but that authority comes with clear boundaries. This guide walks you through every layer of nuisance wildlife law in Tennessee — what animals qualify, what you can legally do, and what happens when someone crosses the line.

What Counts as Nuisance Wildlife in Tennessee

Tennessee does not maintain a single statutory list of “nuisance species,” but the framework under Tennessee Code Annotated and TWRA regulations makes the definition functionally clear. Tennessee Code Annotated 70-4-115 states that the owner of lands may destroy any wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl when such wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl are destroying property upon such lands. The operative phrase is “destroying property” — damage or a credible threat of damage to your land, structures, crops, or livestock is what triggers your legal options.

In practice, the animals most frequently classified as nuisance wildlife in Tennessee are those that thrive near human development. Raccoons, opossums, coyotes, foxes, and skunks thrive in the urban environment and account for the majority of nuisance complaints filed with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Other common offenders include groundhogs, beavers, armadillos, and Canada geese.

A separate and important category exists for unprotected invasive species. The following species are not protected by law because they are non-native invasive populations with the potential to damage property, pose a human health risk, and have detrimental effects on native wildlife. These include animals such as feral hogs and certain other introduced species that carry no state protection whatsoever.

Key Insight: The nuisance designation is situational, not permanent. A white-tailed deer grazing in a field is protected wildlife; that same deer destroying your orchard triggers a separate set of legal rights under T.C.A. § 70-4-115.

It is also worth noting that TWRA regulations work alongside federal laws like the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to create comprehensive protection for Tennessee’s wildlife. A species can be a nuisance under state standards and still be fully protected under federal law, which means you always need to confirm an animal’s status before acting.

Your Rights as a Property Owner in Tennessee

Tennessee law gives you meaningful tools to protect your property, and understanding those rights clearly is the first step toward using them legally. Property owners have the right to protect their land from wildlife damage within the boundaries of the law.

Your core statutory right comes directly from T.C.A. § 70-4-115. The owner of lands may destroy any wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl when such wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl are destroying property upon such lands. This right extends to tenants as well as owners. As a landowner or tenant, you can legally capture some species of nuisance wildlife without a permit if the animal is discovered to be causing damage.

There is also a permit exemption that benefits landowners who want to trap and release on their own property. Property owners are exempt from the permit requirement if they capture wildlife from their own land and release back onto their own land. That exemption disappears the moment you want to move an animal off your property, which triggers additional requirements discussed in the relocation section below.

Important Note: Your rights as a property owner do not override federal protections. T.C.A. § 70-4-115 explicitly states that nothing in that section authorizes possession of federally protected wildlife or wildlife protected by the state under Chapter 8 of Title 70.

You should also be aware of potential liability. Property owners may be held liable for any harm caused by wildlife on their premises. It is crucial to take appropriate measures to prevent potential risks and ensure the safety of individuals on the property. Proactive exclusion and habitat modification — sealing entry points, removing food attractants, trimming overhanging trees — reduce both wildlife conflicts and your exposure to liability. You can read more about related animal laws in Tennessee, including dog bite laws in Tennessee and neighbors’ cat in your yard laws in Tennessee, for a fuller picture of your rights and responsibilities as a property owner.

Legal Methods for Removing Nuisance Wildlife in Tennessee

Tennessee law and TWRA regulations recognize several removal methods, ranging from exclusion and deterrents to live trapping and lethal control. The method you can legally use depends on the species involved and whether the animal is actively destroying property.

Exclusion and Deterrents

Exclusion is always your first and least legally complicated option. Seal entry points by regularly inspecting your home’s foundation, windows, and roof for cracks or holes. Use durable materials like caulk, steel wool, or metal flashing to prevent animals from entering. This approach addresses the root cause of wildlife conflicts. Deterrents such as motion-activated lights, commercial repellents, and habitat modification require no permits and carry no legal risk.

Live Trapping

Live trapping is the most commonly used removal method for property owners. You may purchase a live box trap at most garden supply or home improvement stores. No permit is required to trap nuisance wildlife that is actively causing damage on your own land, as long as you release or euthanize the animal on your property. What you cannot do is simply drive the animal to a nearby park or neighbor’s woods without the proper paperwork — more on that below.

Lethal Control

Lethal control is permitted under T.C.A. § 70-4-115 when wildlife is actively destroying property, but it carries important restrictions for big game. Any person, before destroying any big game under the conditions provided for in this section, is required to obtain a permit for destroying such big game. Such permit shall be issued by an officer of the wildlife resources agency. Big game is defined as deer, wild turkey and bear.

For unprotected species — including coyotes, feral hogs, groundhogs, and armadillos — the rules are more permissive. In Tennessee, certain unprotected or nuisance species may be hunted year-round, including coyote, beaver, groundhog, striped skunk, and armadillo. Even so, all hunting is subject to regulations and land access rules.

Pro Tip: Contact your TWRA regional office before taking any lethal action against big game. The permit process is straightforward, and an officer will be assigned to assist you — but acting without that permit is a criminal violation.

Permitted ADC Operators

If you hire a professional, the rules shift. Permit holders are authorized to use chemicals, traps, firearms, and other methods as approved by EPA, USDA, TWRA, local municipalities, and other authoritative agencies as applicable. No permit holder may use control methods which may pose a threat to the health and safety of humans, domestic animals or other non-target wildlife. This broader toolkit is one key reason many property owners choose to hire a licensed operator for complex or sensitive situations. For a broader look at how removal laws compare across the region, see our guide on wildlife removal laws in Georgia.

Relocation Rules in Tennessee

Relocation is one of the most misunderstood areas of Tennessee wildlife law. Many property owners assume that catching an animal and releasing it somewhere else is the humane, legal default — but Tennessee imposes specific permit requirements that make off-property relocation more complicated than it appears.

The baseline rule is established under the TWRA’s Wildlife Capture, Transport and Release (WCTR) Permit system. Before any person in the State of Tennessee may capture, transport, and release any live wildlife species within the state, he or she must first obtain a Wildlife Capture, Transport and Release (WCTR) Permit, except as otherwise provided, from the Executive Director of the Wildlife Resources Agency.

Critically, this permit system applies to a narrow list of species. The term “wildlife,” for the purpose of these regulations only, is defined as red fox, gray fox, raccoon, and bobwhite quail. These are the only species that may be captured, transported and released pursuant to the WCTR Permit.

The landowner exemption only goes so far. If a landowner wishes to trap from his or her own land and move the captured wildlife to someone else’s land, he or she must have a trapping license, a Wildlife Capture, Transport and Release Permit and permission of the landowner to release the wildlife onto his property.

For permitted Animal Damage Control (ADC) operators, relocation is allowed but tightly controlled. Animals taken must be disposed of in a manner that ensures humane handling or killing. Where desirable, animals may be relocated to areas approved by the TWRA. The key phrase is “areas approved by the TWRA” — operators cannot simply release animals anywhere they choose.

Common Mistake: Releasing a trapped raccoon or fox at a public park or on someone else’s land without a permit and landowner permission is a violation of Tennessee wildlife law, even if your intent is humane. Always confirm your legal options before transporting a captured animal.

Species With Special Rules in Tennessee

Several species common to Tennessee properties require handling that goes beyond the general nuisance framework. Before you act, check whether the animal in question falls into one of these categories.

Bats

Bats are among the most legally sensitive animals you are likely to encounter. While they are not federally endangered as a group, several bat species in Tennessee receive state and federal protection, and exclusion work requires pre-approval. In the case of bats, TWRA does require that the operator obtain approval prior to any exclusion work. The information required consists of species, number, and if any young are present. This is a simple task of counting (estimating) the bats. Timing restrictions for certain species, like bats during maternity season, require professional understanding of wildlife biology and legal requirements.

Migratory Birds

Any bird covered by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) — which includes species as common as barn swallows, chimney swifts, and most songbirds — cannot be harmed, harassed, or removed without a federal permit, regardless of the damage they cause. TWRA regulations work alongside federal laws like the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to create comprehensive protection for Tennessee’s wildlife. Exclusion before nesting season begins is the safest and fully legal approach.

Big Game: Deer, Turkey, and Bear

As noted above, big game is defined as deer, wild turkey, and bear. Destroying any of these animals — even when they are actively damaging your property — requires a permit issued by a TWRA officer. Any big game killed or destroyed under the conditions provided for in this section shall remain the property of this state and may be disposed of by the officer of the commission by gift to any worthy recipient. You do not get to keep the animal.

Federally Protected Species

Bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, making it illegal to harm, harass, or disturb them in any way. If a bald eagle is roosting or nesting on your property, contact TWRA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before taking any action. Penalties under federal law for harming a bald eagle are severe and independent of state charges.

Unprotected Invasive Species

Feral hogs, European starlings, house sparrows, and certain other non-native species receive no state protection. These species are not protected by law because they are non-native invasive populations with the potential to damage property, pose a human health risk, and have detrimental effects on native wildlife. You have the broadest legal latitude when dealing with these animals, though local ordinances and general firearm discharge laws still apply.

Species	Protected?	Permit Required to Remove?	Notes
Raccoon	Yes (state)	No (trap on own property); WCTR Permit to relocate off-property	Most common nuisance complaint
White-tailed Deer	Yes (state)	Yes — TWRA big game permit required to destroy	Big game; carcass belongs to the state
Black Bear	Yes (state)	Yes — TWRA big game permit required to destroy	Contact TWRA regional office immediately
Wild Turkey	Yes (state)	Yes — TWRA big game permit required to destroy	Big game classification
Bats	Varies by species	TWRA approval required before exclusion	Maternity season timing restrictions apply
Migratory Birds	Yes (federal MBTA)	Federal permit required	Exclusion before nesting is safest option
Bald Eagle	Yes (federal)	Federal permit required; contact USFWS	Strict federal penalties apply
Coyote	No	No	May be taken year-round on private land
Feral Hog	No	No	Invasive; no limits on private land
Groundhog / Armadillo	No	No	May be taken year-round

For comparison on how neighboring states handle similar species classifications, see our guides on wildlife removal laws in Florida and wildlife removal laws in Georgia.

When You Need a Licensed Wildlife Control Operator in Tennessee

Tennessee’s TWRA licenses professional wildlife control operators under its Animal Damage Control (ADC) permit program. Knowing when to call one — and what their legal obligations are — protects both you and the animals involved.

Who Needs an ADC Permit

Any person, company, or other entity desiring to destroy, or otherwise control nuisance wildlife and charge a fee for such services must first obtain an Animal Damage Control Permit from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. A permit will not be issued to any applicant that does not have a demonstrated knowledge of wildlife and wildlife control techniques as evidenced by training and/or experience.

Animal Damage Control (ADC) operators, permitted by TWRA, will assist landowners in trapping and/or removing nuisance wildlife at the landowner’s expense. This is not a free government service — you pay the operator directly, and rates are not regulated by TWRA. TWRA recommends you contact several permit holders for estimates before hiring.

What ADC Operators Must Do

Licensed operators operate under strict rules. Permit holders are authorized to control wildlife only with the written permission of the complainant and only on the premises of the complainant. They must also follow trap-checking requirements: Animal Damage Control operators are mandated by law to check each trap within 36 hours. All traps, cages, and other tools left unattended by the permit holder must be clearly marked with the permit holder’s name, address, and permit number.

When a Professional Is the Right Call

• Any situation involving bats — TWRA approval is required before exclusion work begins
• Big game (deer, turkey, bear) causing property damage — a TWRA permit must be obtained first
• Federally protected species on your property — professionals understand both state and federal compliance
• Rabies-vector species (raccoons, skunks, foxes) showing abnormal behavior — safe handling requires training
• Recurring infestations where self-help trapping has not resolved the problem

Pro Tip: TWRA maintains a list of licensed ADC operators by region. If you are unsatisfied with a hired operator’s work, contact the Consumer Affairs Division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce — TWRA does not mediate disputes between operators and clients.

Wildlife control professionals have training in animal behavior, safe handling techniques, and proper equipment use. This expertise reduces risks to both humans and animals during removal operations. For situations involving bats, protected birds, or big game, that expertise is not just a convenience — it is a legal safeguard. You can also review wildlife removal laws in Tennessee for an expanded overview of the removal framework, and compare approaches used in other states such as wildlife removal laws in Pennsylvania and wildlife removal laws in New York.

Penalties for Violating Nuisance Wildlife Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee wildlife law assigns criminal penalties by misdemeanor and felony classification, and the consequences can be more serious than most property owners expect. Violations span a range of severity depending on which statute is broken.

Criminal Penalty Classifications

The most directly relevant penalty for nuisance wildlife situations comes from T.C.A. § 70-4-115. A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. This applies to situations such as destroying big game without the required TWRA permit. Under Tennessee’s sentencing structure, a Class C misdemeanor can carry a fine of up to $50 and up to 30 days in jail.

Violations involving the illegal taking, possession, or sale of protected wildlife carry heavier consequences. A violation involving the unlawful bartering, selling, or purchasing of wildlife is a Class A misdemeanor; except that any violation involving wildlife valued at five hundred dollars ($500) or more is a Class E felony. A Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee can result in up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.

For violations involving state or federally listed endangered species, the penalties escalate further. Any person who violates any of the provisions of the endangered species part or any regulation or rule promulgated under it shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or be imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. The court shall in all cases impose a fine of at least one hundred dollars ($100) for a person’s first conviction and a fine of at least five hundred dollars ($500) for all subsequent convictions.

Additional Consequences

Violations of wildlife regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines, confiscation of animals, and potential criminal charges. For licensed ADC operators, the stakes are even higher professionally. A violation of any of these rules and regulations or of any law governing the wildlife of this state or country shall be just cause to refuse to issue a permit or to revoke an existing permit. If an applicant for or holder of a nuisance animal damage control permit has been charged with a violation, such permit may be suspended pending adjudication.

Violation Type	Classification	Potential Penalty
Destroying big game without TWRA permit (T.C.A. § 70-4-115)	Class C Misdemeanor	Up to $50 fine; up to 30 days jail
Illegal taking or possession of protected wildlife	Class B Misdemeanor	Up to $500 fine; up to 6 months jail
Unlawful sale/purchase of wildlife (under $500 value)	Class A Misdemeanor	Up to $2,500 fine; up to 11 months 29 days jail
Unlawful sale/purchase of wildlife ($500+ value)	Class E Felony	Felony record; significant fines and imprisonment
Violation of endangered species regulations	Civil/Criminal	$100–$1,000 fine; up to 6 months jail
Federal MBTA or Eagle Act violation	Federal offense	Federal fines up to $15,000; potential imprisonment

Important Note: Federal violations — such as harming a migratory bird or a bald eagle — are prosecuted separately from state charges and carry their own fines and penalties under federal law. A single incident can result in both state and federal charges simultaneously.

The safest path is always to verify an animal’s protection status before acting, obtain any required permits, and contact TWRA when you are uncertain. For related Tennessee animal law topics, explore our articles on hunting laws in Tennessee, roadkill laws in Tennessee, and dog leash laws in Tennessee. If you are researching how other states approach these issues, our guides on wildlife removal laws in California, wildlife removal laws in Colorado, and wildlife removal laws in Arizona offer useful points of comparison.

Conclusion

Tennessee gives property owners genuine authority to protect their land from nuisance wildlife, but that authority operates within a layered framework of state statutes, TWRA regulations, and federal law. The core principles are straightforward: damage must be occurring or imminent, big game always requires a TWRA permit before lethal action, off-property relocation triggers additional permit requirements, and federally protected species remain off-limits regardless of the damage they cause.

When in doubt, contact your TWRA regional office before acting. Officers provide free technical assistance to landowners, and a quick phone call can prevent an unintentional violation from turning into a criminal charge. For situations involving bats, big game, or any species you cannot positively identify, hiring a licensed ADC operator is the most legally sound choice you can make.